Light engines with dynamically controllable light distribution

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system are disclosed and include a vehicle interior lighting system comprising that includes a light engine with a plurality of independently addressable light emitting diode (LED) segments, each independently addressable LED segment including at least one LED, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) having a base and plurality of legs extending from the base, each leg supporting an independently addressable LED segment, and a light guide plate configured to provide illumination from the plurality of independently addressable LED segments inside the vehicle. A processor may be configured to receive information from a o vehicle sensing system, a vehicle communication system, or a detection system, and may generate a signal. A controller may be configured to provide one or more light control signals to modify at least one light characteristic of at least one of the plurality of independently addressable LED segments based on the signal.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/003,651, filed Aug. 26, 2020,which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/403,484, filed May 3, 2019, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/667,180, filedMay 4, 2018, U.S. application Ser. No. 16/014,734, filed Jun. 21, 2018,and EP Application Serial No. 18186073.5 filed, Jul. 27, 2018, eachwhich is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

According to aspects of the disclosure, a vehicle interior lightingsystem may include a light engine. The light engine may include aplurality of independently addressable light emitting diode (LED)segments each with at least one LED. The light engine may also include aflexible printed circuit board (PCB) that has a base and plurality oflegs extending from the base, each leg supporting an independentlyaddressable LED segment. The light engine may also include light guideplate with an inner surface configured to receive light from theplurality of independently addressable LED segments, and extendingoutward from the plurality of independently addressable LED segments.The light guide plate may be configured to provide illumination from theplurality of independently addressable LED segments inside the vehicle.A processor may be configured to receive information from a vehiclesensing system, a vehicle communication system, and/or a detectionsystem, and generate a signal. A controller may be electrically coupledto one or more legs of the flexible PCBs, and may be configured toprovide one or more light control signals to modify at least one lightcharacteristic of at least one of the plurality of independentlyaddressable LED segments based on the signal.

The vehicle sensing system, vehicle communication system, and/ordetector may dynamically provide updated information such that at leastone light characteristic is updated based on the change in an object,event, or an action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described below are for illustration purposes only. Thedrawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.Like reference characters shown in the figures designate the same partsin the various embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a diagram of an example of a flexible printed circuit board,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the flexible printed circuit boardof FIG. 1A, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a planar top-down view of a solder mask layer of the flexibleprinted circuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 1D is a planar top-down view of a metal layer of the flexibleprinted circuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 1E is a planar top-down view of a dielectric layer of the flexibleprinted circuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 1F is a planar top-down view of an adhesive layer of the flexibleprinted circuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 1G is a flowchart of a method of fabricating the flexible printedcircuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of an illumination sourceutilizing the flexible printed circuit board of FIG. 1 , according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a planar top-down view of the illumination source of FIG. 2A,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the illumination source of FIG. 2A, accordingto aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2D is a perspective bottom-up view of the illumination source ofFIG. 2A, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an example of a light fixture utilizingthe illumination source of FIG. 2A, according to aspects of thedisclosure;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the combined light fixture of FIG. 3A,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of an example of a light guidethat is part of the light fixture of FIG. 3 , according to aspects ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a planar top-down view of the light guide of FIG. 4A,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of the light fixture of FIG. 3 ,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a flowchart of operation of the light fixture of FIG. 3 ,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the light fixture of FIG. 3 ,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional side view of another example of a lightfixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIGS. 7B and 7C are luminance distributions, in accordance the lightfixture of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another example of a lightfixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional side view of yet another example of a lightfixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a luminance distribution, in accordance the light fixture ofFIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a luminance distribution, in accordance the light fixture ofFIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional side view of yet another example of alight fixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a luminance distribution, in accordance the light fixture ofFIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a luminance distribution, in accordance the light fixture ofFIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another example of a lightfixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another example of a lightfixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional side view of yet another example of alight fixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional side view of yet another example of alight fixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another example of a lightfixture, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example of a driver circuit, in accordancewith one possible electrical layout of a light fixture;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of another example of a driver circuit, inaccordance with one possible electrical layout of a light fixture;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of yet another example of a driver circuit, inaccordance with one possible electrical layout of a light fixture;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of yet another example of a driver circuit, inaccordance with one possible electrical layout of a light fixture;

FIG. 19A is a diagram of a perspective view of an assembled lightengine, in accordance with one possible electrical layout of a lightfixture;

FIG. 19B is a diagram of a side view of the assembled light engine, inaccordance with one possible electrical layout of a light fixture;

FIG. 19C are luminance distributions, in accordance with some aspects ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 20 shows an environment in which the system is used, according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2100,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2200,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2300,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2400,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2500,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2600,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2700,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2800,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 2900,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 3000,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 31A is a top view of an edge-lit configuration, according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 31B is a top view of a center-lit configuration, according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 32A is a cross sectional view of a light engine with dynamicallycontrollable LED segments to illuminate the interior of a vehicle,according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 32B is a top view of a light engine with dynamically controllableLED segments to illuminate the interior of a vehicle, according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 32C is another cross-sectional view of a light engine withdynamically controllable LED segments to illuminate the interior of avehicle, according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a top view of a light engine with dynamically controllableLED segments configure to illuminate different vehicle areas, accordingto aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a diagram of a vehicle interior lighting system, according toaspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for modifying a light characteristic, accordingto aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for dynamically modifying light characteristics,according to aspects of the disclosure; and

FIG. 37 is a diagram of a vehicle lighting system with a camera,according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 38 is a diagram of an example LED strip with an integrated busline;

FIG. 39 is a diagram of an example LED strip with multiple legs;

FIG. 40A is a diagram of an example LED strip with an integrated busline between LED banks; and

FIG. 40B is a diagram of another example LED strip with an integratedbus line between LED banks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and the drawings sufficiently illustratespecific embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practicethem. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, electrical,process, and other changes. Portions and features of some embodimentsmay be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments.Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalentsof those claims.

According to aspects of the disclosure, a flexible printed circuitboard, method of fabricating the flexible printed circuit board,illumination device (or light fixture) using of the flexible printedcircuit board, electronics of the illumination device, and method ofusing the flexible printed circuit board to control illumination device,among others, are described. For example, in some embodiments, theflexible printed circuit board contains a substantially rectangular bodyhaving a plurality of segments. At least one of the segments has a bodycontact to which an illumination source, such as an LED, or set ofillumination sources (also referred to as a bank of illuminationsources) is attached. In some instances, at least one of the segmentsmay have multiple body contacts. One or more flexible legs extendsubstantially perpendicularly from the body, such as one flexible legfor each segment. Each flexible leg contains at least one pair of legcontacts disposed proximate to a distal end of the leg from the body.The flexible printed circuit board is formed from a multilayer structurethat comprises an adhesive layer configured to adhere the structure to amaterial contacting the adhesive layer, at least one pair of dielectricand metal layers, with one of the dielectric layers adjacent to theadhesive layer. Exposed portions of the metal layer through thedielectric layer form the leg contacts, and exposed portions of themetal layer through an overlying solder mask layer form the pair of bodycontacts.

The flexible printed board may be incorporated in a light fixture. Thelight fixture may include a light guide having an interior opening thatdefines an interior edge of the light guide. The light guide may beplanar, and thus be formed as a light guide plate. An illuminationsource is inserted in the interior opening and may include a pluralityof LEDs that are arranged to inject light into the light guide throughthe interior edge of the light guide. The LEDs may be arranged aroundthe circumference of a base that is part of the illumination source.According to an implementation, the base may be thermally conductive.According to an implementation, the base may be coupled to aheat-dissipating element that is disposed over the light guide. Theheat-dissipating element may be arranged to receive heat generated bythe LEDs via the thermally conductive base and dissipate the receivedheat.

Various types of light guides can be used to address different types ofapplications. Flat light guide panels may be used to cover applicationsranging from intermediate batwings (typically˜45-60 degree beam angle)to concentrated lambertians for some outdoor (parking garages) andindoor (downlights) applications. Flat+ chamfered outer edge light guidepanels may be used for similar applications, but with higher efficiencytargets and less cost constrained, can be used too. This geometry canalso be used for spots applications. Wedge light guide panels may beused for applications demanding batwing light distributions with highbeam angles (>60 degrees) and high optical efficiency, such as forbollards or street lighting. The light guide panel may have a main flatsurface facing the backside of the light engine to achieve goodmechanical support and rigidity. The flat surface (or both surfaces insome cases) can include additional light extracting elements (such asink dot patterns or 3D textures or also the electrically-controllableinks already proposed in a previous ID) to provide increased performancefor light output, or added dynamic control of light distributions, orsimply for light extraction from the flat light guide panels or foradditional emitting surface uniformity purpose. The center hole fromwhich light is injected can also be shaped circularly or be multifaceted(octagon for instance to match the number of LEDs or angular segments)to tune the light distribution as well. Planar facets allow to generatemore concentrated beams in the horizontal planes. The outer light guidepanel edge can also include a reflective layer (white or mirror tape, orwhite glue, or clear glue+ white reflective or mirror film) to recyclethe light that otherwise would escape and likely get absorbed in thehousing.

Examples of different light fixtures are described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. These examplesare not mutually exclusive, and features found in one example can becombined with features found in one or more other examples to achieveadditional implementations. Accordingly, it will be understood that theexamples shown in the accompanying drawings are provided forillustrative purposes only and they are not intended to limit thedisclosure in any way. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first element could be termed asecond element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a firstelement, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Asused herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region orsubstrate is referred to as being “on” or extending “onto” anotherelement, it can be directly on or extend directly onto the other elementor intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directlyonto” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Itwill also be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyconnected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are nointervening elements present. It will be understood that these terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the element in additionto any orientation depicted in the figures.

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or“horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationshipof one element, layer or region to another element, layer or region asillustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in additionto the orientation depicted in the figures.

FIGS. 1A-1F are diagrams of an example of a flexible printed circuitboard, according to aspects of the disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1A isa top view of the flexible printed circuit board 100. The flexibleprinted circuit board 100 may include a body 108 and one or more legs104. As shown, the flexible printed circuit board 100 contains multiplelegs 104. The body 108 may be substantially rectangular and the legs 104may extend substantially perpendicularly from the body 108.

The body 108 may include one or more segments 106 associated with a setof pairs of body contacts 102. Each pair of body contacts 102 may beused to provide electrical connection to a different illumination source110 mounted thereon (or otherwise attached thereto). Each set of pairsof body contacts 102 may include a single pair of body contacts 102 ormultiple pairs of body contacts 102. Different segments 106 may containthe same number of pairs of body contacts 102, as shown, or one or moreof the segments 106 may contain a different number of pairs of bodycontacts 102 from at least one other segment 106.

The set of illumination sources 110 within a particular segment 106 maybe the same color or one or more of the illumination sources 110 withinthe segment 106 may be different colors. Similarly, in some embodiments,each segment 106 may contain a set of illumination sources 110 havingthe same color or set of colors. In other embodiments, one or more ofthe colors may be different in different segments 106. In someembodiments, each set of illumination sources 110 (the illuminationsources 110 of a segment 106) may be independently controllable. Infurther embodiments, each illumination source 110 within the set ofillumination sources 110 may be independently controllable via the bodycontacts 102 connected to each illumination source 110. In someembodiments, one or more of the segments 106 may not contain anyillumination sources 110.

As shown in FIG. 1A, each of the legs 104 may include one or moreelectrical connections, shown as leg contacts 104 a, that are disposedat a distal end thereof. The leg contacts 104 a of each leg are used tocontrol the set of illumination sources 110 in a different one of thesegments 106. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, multipleillumination sources 110 of a particular segment 106 are controlled by asingle pair of leg contacts 104 a associated with the segment 106. Asshown, test contacts on each leg 104 may be disposed between the body108 and the leg contacts 104 a. The test contacts may be used duringtesting of the flexible printed circuit board 100, either to test theconnectivity between the leg contacts 104 a and the body contacts 102 orconnectivity to the set of illumination sources 110.

To control the illumination sources 110, each leg 104 may include one ormore electrical connections and/or wiring to activate/deactivate one ormore of the illumination sources 110 in the associated segment 106,change the brightness of one or more of the illumination sources 110 inthe associated segment 106, change the color of light output of in theassociated segment 106, and/or control other characteristics of theoperation of the one or more of the illumination sources 110 in theassociated segment 106. The set of illumination sources 110 in eachsegment 106 may be connected to one another in series, in parallel,and/or in any other suitable way. As above, the set of illuminationsources 110 in each segment 106 may be configured to output the samecolor of light or different colors of light such as, for example, red,green, and blue. Additionally or alternatively, the set of illuminationsources 110 in each of the segments 106 may output light having the samecorrelated color temperature (CCT).

Additionally or alternatively, the light outputs of at least two of theillumination sources 110 in a segment 106 may have different CCTs.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the flexible printed circuit boardof FIG. 1A, according to aspects of the disclosure, while FIG. 1G is aflowchart of a method of fabricating the flexible printed circuit boardof FIG. 1A, according to aspects of the disclosure. The flexible printedcircuit board 100 may be a multilayer structure that contains at leastone pair of metal and dielectric layers 114, 116 and a solder mask 112on a topmost metal layer 114. A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) 118may be attached to the underside of a portion of the dielectric layer116. The PSA 118 is a non reactive adhesive that forms a bond whenpressure is applied without the use of a solvent, water, or heat. ThePSA 118 may be between about 50 μm and 1 mm, but is typically around 100μm.

The dielectric layer 116 may be formed from polyimide, or any othersuitable insulating material that is sufficiently flexible when of thedesired thickness. The dielectric layer 116 may be between about 25 μmand 100 μm, sufficient to support the metal layer 114. As shown in FIG.1G, the metal layer 114 may be formed on the dielectric layer 116 atoperation 122. In different embodiments, the metal layer 114 may bedeposited or plated on the dielectric layer 116. The metal layer 114 maybe formed from copper, or any other suitable conductive material. Themetal layer 114 may be between about 17.5 μm and 100 μm, nominally 70 μmor so.

In some embodiments, after formation of the metal layer 114 on thedielectric layer 116, leg contacts may be formed at operation 124. Insome embodiments, portions of the dielectric layer 116 may be removed byetching or other chemical or mechanical process to permit contact to themetal layer 114 at the appropriate location. In other embodiments, theportions of the dielectric layer 116 may not be removed. If a multilayerstructure is used (operation 126) and the metal layer is not the finalmetal layer (operation 128), a new dielectric layer may be deposited orotherwise formed on underlying the metal layer at operation 130. Theprocess may then return to operation 122.

If a multilayer structure is not used (operation 126) or the metal layeris the final metal layer (operation 128), the solder mask 112 may bedeposited on the topmost metal layer 114 at operation 132. The soldermask 112 may be between about 25 μm and 50 μm. The solder mask 112, whenapplied, may have openings to expose portions of the topmost metal layer114 to form the body contacts. The solder mask 112 may also haveopenings to expose portions of the topmost metal layer 114 to form theleg contacts, if not formed in the dielectric layer 116. In otherembodiments, the openings in the solder mask 112 may be formed afterapplication of the solder mask 112. The LEDs or other illuminationsources may then be soldered or affixed to the solder mask 112. The PSA118 may be applied at any point during the process shown in FIG. 1G,such as before the illumination sources are attached or before thesolder mask is applied. The PSA 118 may be applied to areas to which themultilayer structure is attached, or at least areas other than the legcontacts.

FIG. 1C is a planar top-down view of a solder mask layer of the flexibleprinted circuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of thedisclosure. As shown in FIG. 1C, the solder mask 112 has openings forboth the body and leg contacts.

FIG. 1D is a planar top-down view of a metal layer of the flexibleprinted circuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of thedisclosure. As above, the metal layer 114 may be formed from copper, orany other suitable conductive material. As shown, the metal layer 114 issplit into individual connections. The portion of the metal layer 114corresponding to the leg 104 is split into two sections, each connectedto a different body contact 102 of the body 108. The portion of themetal layer 114 corresponding to the body 108 is further split intomultiple sections. Each section of the metal layer 114 is electricallyisolated from each other section of the metal layer 114. The sections asshown in FIG. 1D are configured such that the set of illuminationsources 110 in a segment 106 are series connected, with one of the pairsof body contacts 102 being electrically connected to another of thepairs of body contacts 102. In other embodiments, however, one or moreof the illumination sources 110 in the set of illumination sources 110may be independently addressable using the metal layer 114 viaadditional sections of the metal layer 114 or using a different(underlying) metal layer.

FIG. 1E is a planar top-down view of a dielectric layer of the flexibleprinted circuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of thedisclosure. The dielectric layer 116 may, as above, be formed frompolyimide. FIG. 1F is a planar top-down view of an adhesive layer of theflexible printed circuit board of FIG. 1A, according to aspects of thedisclosure. As above, portions of the PSA 118 may be removed prior toadhesion to the dielectric layer 116 and/or surface to which thestructure is attached. Although multiple pairs of body contacts aredescribed as being associated with a single pair of leg contacts,multiple pairs of leg contacts may be used, e.g., one pair for eachcolor LED if multiple LED colors are present within the LED segment. Inaddition, although pairs of contacts are described, in some embodiments,more than two contacts may be used (e.g., the LED or other illuminationsource may use more than two contacts).

FIGS. 2A-D show diagrams of an example illumination source according toaspects of the disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2A is a perspective viewof an example of an illumination source utilizing the flexible printedcircuit board of FIG. 1 , FIG. 2B is a planar top-down view of theillumination source of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C is a side view of theillumination source of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2D is a perspective bottom-upview of the illumination source of FIG. 2A. The flexible printed circuitboard 100 is shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, as is a base 202 (also referred to asa core) to which the flexible printed circuit board 100 is attached.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the base 202 contains multiple sides 208 and aopening or opening 206 in the center of the base 202 that extendsbetween the top and bottom surfaces of the base 202. As shown, the base202 may be formed in an octagonal shape, although in other embodiments,the base 202 may be formed in a hexagonal, pentagonal, square ortriangular shape, among others. The base 202 may thus have a roundcross-section or a cross-section that is shaped as another type ofpolygon (e.g., a rectangle, a hexagon, a decagon, etc.).

The legs 104 of flexible printed circuit board 100 may be routed arounda bottom edge 204 of the base 202, along the bottom of the base 202, andinto the opening 206 at the bottom of the base 202 as shown more clearlyin FIG. 2D. In some embodiments, the legs 104 may extend into theopening 206 without coming out of the top of the base 202. As shown inthe embodiment of FIG. 2D, the legs 104 extend entirely through theopening 206, to come out above the base 202. In some embodiments, thelegs 104 may be attached to the inner sides of the opening 206 using thePSA, although in other embodiments, the legs 104 may not be attached tothe inner sides of the opening 206. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the legs104 may be bent such that terminal portions of the legs 104 (whichcontain the leg contacts 104 a) may be parallel to the top surface ofthe base 202. As shown, the bent portions of the legs 104 may extendfrom the edge of the opening 206 farther radially outward than the sides208 of the base 202, or the set of illumination sources 102 of thesegment 106. In other embodiments, the body 108 may be attached to theinner wall of the base 202. In this case, the legs 104 of flexibleprinted circuit board 100 may be bent to extend transverse to the outerwall of the base 202.

Although in the present example the base 202 includes one or more LEDs102 on each of its sides 208, alternative implementations are possiblein which at least one of the sides 208 does not have any LEDs mountedthereon. For example, in instances in which the base 202 is rail-shapedor has a rectangular cross-section, there may be LEDs disposed on onlyone or two of the sides. In some implementations, the base 202 of theillumination source 200 may be formed of metal or other heat dissipatingmaterial, and it may be configured to lead heat away from the flexibleprinted circuit board 100. Although in the present example the LEDs inthe illumination source 200 are part of the flexible printed circuitboard, alternative implementations are possible in which the LEDs arepart of another type of circuit, such as a non-flexible circuit.

FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of an example of a light fixture 300 thatutilizes the illumination source 200, according to aspects of thedisclosure. The light fixture 300 may include, among others, a lightguide 302 and a reflector 304 disposed over the light guide 302. Thereflector 304 described in the various embodiments herein may be placedat the back of the light guide panel to reflect downwards the light thatotherwise would be directed upwards. The specularity and diffusivityproperties of the reflector 304 can be tuned to broaden the lightdistributions in both vertical and horizontal planes. Although thevarious light fixtures 300 show the reflector 304 as having acylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section, likethe other elements being formed in a shape circular or multi-sided(e.g., octangular) shape, the various aspects are not so limited. Forexample, the reflector may extend over the outer edge of the light guideand have a frustoconical shape. The frustoconical shape has atrapezoidal cross-section, similar to the shape of the light guide inFIG. 10A. The underlying light guide may retain the same frustoconicalshape.

In some embodiments, the light fixture may include further elements,such as a diffuser disposed under the light guide 302, to diffuse lightdirected out from the light guide to an external environment. Althoughin the present example the light guide 302 is shaped as a disk having aninterior opening (e.g., an opening in the middle of the disk or atanother location), alternative implementations are possible in which thelight guide 302 has a different shape. For example, the light guide 302may be shaped as a rectangle or another polygon (e.g., octagon, hexagon,etc.), a rail, etc. The shape may be determined based on any applicablereason such as light distribution preference, physical spacerequirements, or the like. A light distribution preference may be basedon an application of a light fixture, an environmental conduction (e.g.,objects to illuminate, distance to illuminate, available ambient light,etc.), or a user input. It should be noted that although one or morespecific light guide shapes are shown in the figures contained herein,the shape of a light guide may be adjusted to be any applicable shapethat results in a desired light distribution.

The illumination source 200 may be connected to a PCB structurecontaining one or more control boards, such as printed circuit board(PCB) 326 for controlling the operation of the LEDs. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , the PCB 326 may be situated above the base 202. In addition, asecondary control board 325 (or daughterboard) may be situated above thePCB 326 (or motherboard). The secondary control board 325 containcommunication electronics through which a user device is able towirelessly communicate lighting settings to set the lighting of theillumination source 200 via the PCB 326 and the secondary control board325. As different protocols (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee) may be used,and the secondary control board 325 may only support a single protocol,the secondary control board 325 may be removable (swappable) to changethe protocol used to communicate the information from the user device.The secondary control board 325 may also communicate information to theuser device, such as present lighting conditions, available lightingconditions, and error messages. The PCB 326 and the secondary controlboard 325 may be protected by a removable cover 327 formed from anopaque material, such as metal or plastic.

FIGS. 4A-B show the light guide 302 in further detail, in accordancewith one particular implementation. FIG. 4A shows a verticalcross-section of the light guide 302 and FIG. 4B shows a top view of thelight guide 302. As illustrated, in some implementations, the sidewalls308 of the opening 310 of the light guide 302 may have one or moregrooves (or indentations) 312 formed thereon. The sidewalls 308 maydefine an interior edge of the light guide 302 that faces theillumination source 200 when the illumination source 200 is at leastpartially disposed in the opening 310. The grooves may have any suitableshape, such as a circular shape, linear shape, a curved shape, etc. Inthe present example, the grooves 311 may be vertical, and they may havea linear shape that extends fully or partially between the top andbottom surfaces of the light guide 302. Additionally or alternatively,in some implementations, the grooves 311 may be horizontal, and they mayhave a linear shape that extends fully or partially around thecircumference of the opening 310 of the light guide 302. The grooves 311may have any suitable type of depth. In some implementations, thegrooves 312 may be less than 1 mm deep. Additionally or alternatively,in some implementations, the grooves 311 may be less than 2 mm deep.Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the grooves 311may be less than 3 mm deep. Additionally or alternatively, in someimplementations, the grooves 311 may be less than 4 mm deep.Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the grooves 311may be less than 5 mm deep. Additionally or alternatively, in someimplementations, the grooves 311 may be less than 10 mm deep.Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the grooves 311may be less than 20 mm deep, etc. Although in the present example thegrooves 311 are formed on the interior edge of the light guide 302,alternative implementations are possible in which the same or similargroves are formed on the outer edge 344 of the light guide 302. In suchinstances, there may be additional LEDs that are optically coupled tothe outer edge 344 of the light guide 302 (e.g., see FIG. 8 ).

Although the light guide 302 has a flat surface in the example of FIGS.4A-B, alternative implementations are possible in which the light guidehas a recess formed in its surface (e.g., see FIG. 8 ). Furthermore,alternative implementations are possible in which the light guide 302 istapered and or chamfered (e.g., see FIGS. 9 and 10 ). Notably, thepresent disclosure is not limited to a specific configuration of thelight guide 302.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the illumination source 200 may be coupled to amounting post 316. In some implementations, the illumination source 200may be disposed at least partially inside the opening 310 in the lightguide 302, as shown in FIGS. 4A-B, such that light emitted from theillumination source 200 is injected into the light guide 302 through theopening's sidewalls 308 of FIGS. 4A-B (e.g., the interior edge of thelight guide 302). A reflector 320 may be disposed under the illuminationsource 200, as shown. The reflector 320 is shown in further detail inFIG. 6 . As illustrated, in some implementations, the reflector 320 maybe ring-shaped. In some implementations, the reflector 320 may have aninner diameter D1 that is smaller than the inner diameter Δ1 of theillumination source 200, as shown in FIG. 2B. Additionally oralternatively, the reflector 320 may have an outer diameter D2, as shownin FIG. 6 , that is greater than the outer diameter Δ2 of theillumination source 200, as shown in FIG. 2B. Dimensioning the reflector320 in this way may ensure a complete overlap between the illuminationsource 200 and the reflector 320, such that all, or a large portion, oflight that is emitted by the illumination source 200 towards thereflector 320, without being injected into the light guide 302, isreflected back to be injected into the light guide 302 through theinterior edge of the light guide.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 3 , a cap 322 may be disposedunder the light guide 302 and the reflector 320. The cap 322 may beformed of plastic, metal, and/or any other suitable type of material. Insome implementations, the cap 322 may be formed of a reflectivematerial, such that the surface of the cap 322 that faces theillumination source 200 is configured to reflect at least some of thelight emitted from the illumination source 200 back towards the lightguide 302. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, thecap 322 may be light transmissive (e.g., transparent or translucent).Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the cap 322 maybe opaque.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the opening 310 in the light guide 302is a through-hole. However, alternative implementations are possible inwhich the opening is a blind hole. In such implementations, thereflector 320 and the cap 322 may be altogether omitted, while theillumination source 200 remains at least partially disposed inside theblind hole.

In some implementations, a heat dissipating element such as ahousing/pan/heat spreading element 324 may be disposed above theillumination source 200, as shown. The pan 324 may be formed of metaland/or any other suitable type of thermally conductive material. In someimplementations, the pan 324 may be thermally coupled to the base 202 ofthe illumination source 200. In such instances, heat that is generatedby the LEDs on the illumination source 200 may be led away from the LEDsby the base 202 of the illumination source 200, into the pan 324, to besubsequently dissipated by the pan 324. In some implementations, the pan324 may have an interior opening to allow the legs 104 of the flexibleprinted circuit board 100 (which is part of the illumination source 200)to be routed through the pan 324 and connected to circuitry, such as thePCB 326, that is overlying the pan 324. The pan 324 thus may form theback of the light engine 300, provide mechanical protection, and spreadthe heat generated by the LEDs 102 for good thermal dissipation sincethe pan may be contact with a center rod (shown below). The outer edgeof the pan 324 may be used to shape optimally as the outer edge maysignificantly impact the overall photometric performance, mechanicalprotection, cosmetic aspect, and also ingress protection. If the lightengine is not highly mechanical robust, and thermal dissipative is nottoo high, the reflector may be used as the housing.

In some implementations, the PCB 326 disposed over the pan 324 mayinclude circuitry for individually addressing/controlling the operationof the LEDs or sets of the LEDs in the illumination source 200. Thecircuitry may be configured to control each segment 106 in theillumination source 200 independently of the remaining segments and/oreach LED within the segment independently of each other LED within thesegment. For example, each segment 106 may be turned on/offindependently of the rest as a result of this arrangement. Additionallyor alternatively, in some implementations, the brightness of eachsegment 106 may be changed independently of the rest as a result of thisarrangement. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, thecolor of light output by each of the segments 106 may be changedindependently of the rest as a result of this arrangement. Additionallyor alternatively, in some implementations, the CCT of light output byeach of the segments 106 may be changed independently of the rest as aresult of this arrangement.

FIG. 5A shows a schematic diagram of the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3illustrating its electrical aspects, according to aspects of thedisclosure. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of operation of the light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. As illustrated, thelight fixture 300 may include the PCB 326, an input device 334, and theLED segments 106. The PCB 326 may include a memory 328, a controller330, a wireless interface 332, and a driver circuit 342. Any of thememory 328, the input device 334, the wireless interface 332, may beoperatively coupled to the controller 330. The memory 328 may includeany suitable type of volatile or non-volatile memory, such as one ormore of a read-only memory, flash memory, EEPROM, Random Access Memory(RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), etc.

The controller 330 may include one or more of a general-purposeprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield-programmable gate array, and/or any other suitable type ofelectronic circuitry. The wireless interface 332 may be any applicableinterface such as a Bluetooth interface, a Zigbee interface, and/or anyother suitable type of wireless interface. The input device 334 mayinclude a knob, a button, a mouse, a track pad, a keypad, or atouchscreen that can be used to select and/or specify a current presetfor the light fixture.

In some implementations, the distribution of the light output by thelight fixture 300 may be modified by selectively (and/or dynamically) bychanging the state of different segments on the illumination source 200independently of one another. This may be initiated by the user settinga lighting condition using a wired or wireless device at operation 502.The data corresponding to the lighting condition may then be sent atoperation 504 to the controller of the light fixture 300. The controllermay subsequently translate the user settings into individual parametersfor each LED segment at operation 506. In such instances, the memory 328may store respective representations of a plurality of presets 340. Anyof the presets 340 may specify one or more settings for each of the LEDsegments 106 in the illumination source 200. Specifying settings for agiven LED segment 106 may include specifying one or more of: (1) whetherthe LED segment is to be turned on, (2) the color of light output by theLED segment, (3) the brightness of the LED segment, (4) the CCT of lightoutput by the LED segment, and/or any other suitable characteristic ofthe operation of the LED segment. Each of the settings may berepresented as a number, a string, and/or any other suitable type ofalphanumerical string. Each preset may be represented as any suitabletype of data structure for encapsulating and/or relating the settings inthe preset to one another, such as a table, a row in a table, aone-dimensional array, a two-dimensional array, etc. The presets may bestored in a lookup table in the memory 328 that are selected by a remotedevice (e.g., wirelessly) or local device (e.g., via a wiredconnection). The lookup table may serve to steer the light beam byselecting the characteristics of the LED segments, as described later.

The controller 330 may thus be configured to receive or detect userinput selecting a given preset 340, retrieve the selected preset 340from the memory 328, and/or change the state of one or more of the LEDsegments 106 in the illumination source 200 based on the retrievedpreset 340. For each given LED segment 106, the controller may use thepreset 340 to identify one or more settings corresponding to the givensegment 106 and change the state of the given segment based on theidentified settings. Changing the state of the given LED segment 106 mayinclude one or more of: turning on or off the given segment 106,changing the brightness of the given segment 106, changing the color oflight that is output by the given segment 106, changing the CCT of lightthat is output by the given segment 106, and/or changing any othersuitable characteristic of the operation of the given LED segment 106.

In some implementations, the controller 330 may receive user inputselecting one of the plurality of presets 340 that are stored in thememory 328, through the wireless interface 332. The memory 328 maycontain a lookup table that contains a correspondence between a lightdistribution selected by a user equipment (e.g., smartphone, connectedcontroller) and parameters associated with each LED segment. Theparameters may include one or more of the duty cycle of current flowingto each LED segment or peak current associated with each LED segment, asshown in FIG. 5B, which may be adjusted to provide the desiredillumination, as explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 15-18below. The lookup table may be preprogrammed based on an associationbetween the number and placement of LED segments on the base and withinthe light engine (e.g., center-lit, edge lit, offset) and predeterminedlight distribution patterns.

Alternatively, the controller may receive input specifying a preset thatthe user wants to be used, through the interface 332. Thus, although inthe present example the presets 340 are retrieved from a non-volatilememory located on the PCB 326 or the secondary control board 325,alternative implementations are possible in which a particular preset340 is specified or selected by the user (e.g., on the user'ssmartphone) and received by the controller via the wireless interface332. In the latter case, the preset 340 may be stored in volatile memoryand deleted or discarded, eventually. The present disclosure is notlimited to any specific method for storing, implementing, or selectingthe presets. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, thePCB 326 may be coupled to an input device 339, such as a knob, keypad,or a touchscreen that can be used to select and/or specify a currentpreset for the light fixture.

FIG. 20 shows an environment in which the system is used, according toaspects of the disclosure. As shown, one or more light fixtures 2010 a,2010 b may be present in an environment 2000. The environment 2000 maybe a home, office or other environment where the light fixtures 2010 a,2010 b are present. Each light fixture 2010 a, 2010 b may contain alight engine, such as one of the light engines described herein. The LEDsegments in each of the light fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b may be wirelesslycontrolled by a remote controller 2002, such as a smartphone orspecialized controller, using the techniques described herein. One ormore of the light fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b may also be controlled using alocal controller 2020, such as a wall panel. Control of the lightfixtures 2010 a, 2010 b (and the light engines and the LED segmentstherein) may be independent of each other. Alternatively, a single lightdistribution may be selected by the controller 2002, 2020 anddistributed to the light fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b. In some embodiments,the single light distribution may be the same across the light fixtures2010 a, 2010 b, affecting similarly oriented LED segments in each lightfixture 2010 a, 2010 b. In other embodiments, the single lightdistribution may be complementary—affecting the same number of LEDsegments in the light fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b, but in which theorientation is rotated to take into account the relative locations ofthe light fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b. Note that while only two lightfixtures 2010 a, 2010 b are shown, there may be more than two lightfixtures that include light engines. Wireless and/or wired control maybe user-selectably effected over one, all or only some of the multiplelight fixtures in a single command. The user may establish programs,stored in the memory of the user device and/or of the individual lightfixtures to control sets of the light fixtures. In some cases, an ID maybe assigned to sets of the light fixtures, the individual controllers ofthe light engines in the light fixtures matching an ID of the lightfixture (of a group to which the light fixture is a member) to a commandfrom the user device before controlling the light distribution of thelight engine. The light fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b may have the same typeof light engine (shown in the figures herein) or one or more of thelight fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b may have a different light engine. Forexample, although not shown, one or more of the light fixtures 2010 a,2010 b may include motion sensors, which may adjust the lightdistribution of those light fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b and may furtheradjust the light distribution of light fixtures 2010 a, 2010 b that donot have the motion sensors through wireless communication, sending asimilar signal from device to device as that sent by the user device.

Although in the present example the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3 does notinclude any sensors, alternative implementations are possible in whichthe light fixture 300 includes a light sensor 336, as denoted by one ofthe dashed rectangles in FIG. 5 . The light sensor 336 may beoperatively coupled to the controller 330. The light sensor 336, such asa photodiode, may be configured to measure the amount of ambient lightthat enters the light fixture through the cap 322 and the opening 310 inthe light guide 302. The light sensor 336 may thus be disposed withinthe opening 310. The light sensor 336 may be further configured togenerate a signal that indicates the amount of ambient light in thevicinity of the light fixture 300. The controller 330 may be configuredto receive the signal and switch on or otherwise change the state of thelight fixture 300 when the level of the signal crosses (e.g., exceeds orfalls below a threshold). Changing the state of the light fixture 300may include one or more of switching on the light fixture 300, changingthe distribution of the light output of the light fixture 300, changingthe color of the light output of the light fixture 300, changing the CCTof the light fixture 300, etc. Although in the present example the lightsensor 336 is depicted as being separate from the PCB 326, alternativeimplementations are possible in which the light sensor 336 is mounted onthe PCB 326.

Although in the present example the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3 does notinclude any sensors, alternative implementations are possible in whichthe light fixture 300 includes a motion sensor 338, as denoted by one ofthe dashed rectangles in FIG. 5 . The motion sensor 338 may beoperatively coupled to the controller 330. In some implementations, thecontroller 330 may be configured to receive a signal that is generatedusing the motion sensor 338 and turn on or otherwise change the state ofthe light fixture 300 when the level of the signal crosses a threshold.In such implementations, the cap 322 may be configured to permit themotion sensor to operate correctly. For example, the thickness of thecap 322 and/or the material of the cap 322 may be selected so that themotion sensor 338 can operate properly inside the light fixture.Changing the state of the light fixture may include one or more ofswitching on the light fixture 300, changing the distribution of thelight output of the light fixture, changing the color of the lightoutput of the light fixture, changing the CCT of the light fixture, etc.Although in the present example the motion sensor 338 is depicted asbeing separate from the PCB 326, alternative implementations arepossible in which the motion sensor 338 is mounted on the PCB 326. Theinput device 339 may include a knob, a keypad, or a touch screen forcontrolling the light fixture.

Although in the present example, the light fixture is depicted asincluding both a light sensor and a motion sensor, alternativeimplementations are possible in which both the light sensor and themotion sensor are omitted. Furthermore, alternative implementations arepossible in which the light fixture 300 includes only a motion sensor.And still furthermore, alternative implementations are possible in whichthe light includes only a light sensor. Notably, the present disclosureis not limited to any specific sensor configuration of the light fixture300.

FIG. 7A shows a planar cross-sectional side view of a light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. Note that although theopening is shown here and in other figures as extending completelythrough the base 202 to above the PCB 326, with the terminal portions ofthe legs 104 of the flexible PCB extending parallel to the PCB 326, inother embodiments, the opening may terminate within the base 202, andthe terminal portions of the legs 104 of the flexible PCB remainingunbent. As illustrated, the pan 324 may have a top surface 312 and asidewall 314. In the present example, the sidewall 314 has a length Lthat is greater than or equal than the thickness T of the light guide302, such that the outer edge 344 of the light guide 302 is coveredcompletely by the sidewall 314 of the pan 324. However, in someimplementations, the length L of the sidewall may be less than thethickness T of the light guide 302, such that the outer edge 344 of thelight guide 302 is only partially covered by the sidewall 314 of the pan324. Furthermore, alternative implementations are possible in whichsidewall 314 of the pan 324 is altogether omitted. The pan 324 maycomprise any applicable material such as aluminum and may act as a heatsink, as further disclosed herein. FIGS. 7B and 7C are luminancedistributions, in accordance the light fixture of FIG. 7A. The flatshape of the light guide may be used for intermediate batwing beam angleor Lambertian applications.

FIG. 8 shows a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 800,according to aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 800 differsfrom the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3 in that in it includes a lightguide 802 with a recess 806 in it, an LED strip 816 that is wrappedaround an outer edge of the light guide 802, and a pan 808 that isprovided with a lip. As illustrated, the light fixture 800 includes adisk-shaped light guide 802, having an interior opening 804 and a recess806 that is formed around the interior opening 804. The light guide 802thus, as shown, has a cross-section of two substantially triangularareas with different areas, with a vertex near but not at, the center ofthe length of the light guide 802. In other embodiments, the areas maybe the same. An illumination source 200 may be at least partiallydisposed in the interior opening, and a cap 322 may be disposedunderneath the light source, while a reflector 320 is disposed betweenthe cap 322 and the illumination source 200, as shown.

In some implementations, the recess 806 may completely or partiallysurround the interior opening 804. The recess 806 may have a triangularcross-section, and or any suitable shape of cross-section. A pan 808 maybe disposed over the light guide 802, as shown. The pan 808 may beformed of metal and/or any other suitable type of thermally conductivematerial. In some implementations, the pan 808 may be thermally coupledto the base 202 of the illumination source 200. In such instances, heatthat is generated by the LEDs on the illumination source 200 may be ledaway from the LEDs by the base 202 of the illumination source 200, intothe pan 808, to be subsequently dissipated by the pan 808.

As illustrated, the pan 808 may include a top portion 810 that iscoupled to a sidewall 812. The sidewall 812 may be provided with a lip814, and an LED strip 816 may be disposed between the sidewall 812 andthe light guide 802. In some implementations, the LED strip 816 may haveadhesive backing that is adhered to the interior surface of the sidewall812. A reflector 818 may be provided between the lip 814 and at least aportion of the LED strip 816. In some implementations, the reflector 818may be ring-shaped and it may have an inner diameter that is smallerthan the outer diameter of the light guide 802. Additionally oralternatively, the reflector 818 may have an outer diameter that isgreater than the diameter of the light guide 802. As discussed abovewith respect to the reflector 320, configuring the reflector 818 in thismanner may reflect upwards light emitted by the LED strip 816 that isnot injected into the light guide 802. The use of both center edge andouter edge LED strips may provide a higher light output and/or increaseddegree of control over light distributions in the horizontal andvertical planes.

FIG. 9 shows a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 900,according to aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 900 differsfrom the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3 in that in it includes a taperedlight guide 902. As illustrated, the light fixture 900 includes adisk-shaped light guide 902 having an interior opening 904. Anillumination source 200 may be at least partially disposed in theinterior opening, and a cap 322 may be disposed underneath the lightsource, while a reflector 320 may be disposed between the cap 322 andthe illumination source 200, as shown. A pan 906 may be disposed overthe illumination source 200. The pan 906 may be thermally coupled to theillumination source 200 and configured to dissipate heat generated bythe illumination source 200. In the example of the light fixture 900,the bottom light-emitting surface 908 of the light guide 902 may betapered, such that the thickness T of the light guide 902 decreases fromthe interior opening 904 of the light guide 902 to its outer edge 910 ina substantially triangular shape. FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C are luminancedistributions, in accordance the light fixture of FIG. 9A. As shown inFIGS. 9B and 9C, the tapering of the light guide 902 may result in ahigh batwing beam angle light distribution.

FIG. 10A shows a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 1000,according to aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 1000 differsfrom the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3 in that in it includes a chamferedlight guide 1002. As illustrated, the light fixture 1000 includes adisk-shaped light guide 1002, having an interior opening 1004. Anillumination source 200 may be at least partially disposed in theinterior opening 1004, and a cap 322 may be disposed underneath thelight source, while a reflector 320 is disposed between the cap 322 andthe illumination source 200, as shown.

In the example of the light fixture 1000, the light guide 1002 has achamfered outer edge, such that the thickness T of the light guide 1002increases from the light guide's exterior edge 1006 towards the interioropening until it reaches it's a constant thickness level, as shown.According to aspects of the disclosure, the angle A of the chamfer maybe used to deliberately shape the distribution of the light output ofthe light fixture. For example, the polar diagram 1020, which is shownin FIG. 10B shows the light distribution produced by a light guidehaving a chamfer angle of approximately 10 degrees. As illustrated, whenthe chamfer angle of the light guide is approximately 10 degrees, thelight guide 1002 may produce a batwing distribution having lobes thatare spaced apart from one another. As another example, the polar diagram1030, which is shown in FIG. 10C, shows the light distribution producedby a light guide having a chamfer angle A of approximately 45 degrees.As illustrated, when the chamfer of the light guide is approximately 45degrees, the light guide may produce a “spotlight” distribution havinglobes that are approximately coincident.

Stated succinctly, the chamfer angle A of the light guide 1002 may beused to control the spread of the light output of the light fixture1000. In some implementations, the chamfer of the light guide 1002 maybe configured to produce a light distribution having at least two lobesthat are at least partially coincident. The angle of the chamfer mayproduce a desired degree of overlap between the two lobes, and it may besomewhere between 10 and 45 degrees, in some implementations. The flatshape of the light guide may be used for intermediate batwing beam angleor spot applications.

FIG. 11 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 1100,according to aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 1100 differsfrom the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3 in that in it includes a reflectivegasket 1104 disposed around the circumference of the light fixture 1100.As illustrated, the light fixture 1100 includes a disk-shaped lightguide 302, having an interior opening 305. An illumination source 200may be at least partially disposed in the interior opening, and a cap322 may be disposed underneath the light source, while a reflector 320is disposed between the cap 322 and the illumination source 200, asshown. A pan 1102 may be disposed over the illumination source 200. Thepan 1102 may be thermally coupled to the illumination source 200 andconfigured to dissipate heat generated by the illumination source 200.Unlike the pan 324 of FIG. 3 , the pan 1102 does not have any sidewalls.However, a reflective gasket 1104 is edge coupled to the pan 1102 andthe light guide 302, as shown.

In some implementations, the reflective gasket 1104 may be shaped as aring and it may be formed of plastic, metal and/or any other suitabletype of material. In the present example, the reflective gasket 1104 hasa main portion 1106 that is wrapped around the outer edge of the lightguide 302 and the pan 324, as well as a top lip 1108 and a bottom lip1110. The top lip 1108 is disposed over the pan 324 and the bottom lip1110 is disposed under the light guide 302. Although in the presentexample, the reflective gasket 1104 has both a top lip 1108 and a bottomlip 1110, alternative implementations are possible in which thereflective gasket 1104 includes only a top lip. Furthermore, alternativeimplementations are possible in which the reflective gasket has only abottom lip.

FIG. 12 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 1200,according to aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 1200 differsfrom the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3 in that in it includes a capassembly 1202 in place of the cap 306. As illustrated, the cap assembly1202 may include a frame 1204 and a motion sensor 338 that is coupled tothe frame 1204. The motion sensor 338 may be operatively coupled to atleast one controller (not shown) that is part of the light fixture 1200.As discussed above with respect to FIG. 3 , the controller may beconfigured to receive a signal that is generated using the motion sensor338 and turn on or otherwise change the state of the light fixture 1200when a level of the signal crosses a threshold.

FIG. 13A is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 1300,according to aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 1300 differsfrom the light fixture 300 of FIG. 3 in that in it includes a capassembly 1302 in place of the cap 306, which is arranged to allow alight sensor 336, as shown in FIG. 5 , to detect ambient light in thevicinity of the light fixture 300. As illustrated, the cap assembly 1302may include a frame 1306 and a light-transmissive portion 1308 that iscoupled to the frame 1306. The light-transmissive portion 1308 may bemade of any suitable type of light-transmissive material, such as glassor plastic. In some implementations, the light transmissive portion 1308may include a window. Additionally or alternatively, in someimplementations, the light-transmissive portion 1308 may include a lens.The light sensor 336, in some implementations, may include a photodiodeor a charge-coupled device (CCD).

Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the light sensor336 may include or be proximate to a camera. The light sensor 336 may bedisposed in the opening 206 of the illumination source 200, such that atleast some of light passing through the light-transmissive portion 1308of the cap assembly 1302 reaches the light sensor 336. The light sensor336 may be operatively coupled to at least one controller (not shown)that is part of the light fixture 1200. As discussed above with respectto FIG. 3 , the controller may be configured to receive a signal that isgenerated using the light sensor 336 and turn on or otherwise change thestate of the light fixture 1300 when the level of the signal crosses athreshold.

In some implementations, the controller may be configured to track theposition of a person or another object relative to the light fixture1300 based on one or more signals (e.g., image signals) that arereceived from the light sensor 336. When the position is a firstlocation relative to the light fixture 1300, the controller (not shown)may activate a first preset, as described herein, thereby causing thelight fixture 1300 to output light having a first distribution pattern.When the position at a second location relative to the light fixture1300, the controller (not shown) may activate a second preset, therebycausing the light fixture 1300 to output light having a seconddistribution pattern. The first location may be different from thesecond location, and the first distribution pattern may be differentfrom the second distribution pattern.

FIG. 13B is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture, accordingto aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 1300 differs from thelight fixture 300 of FIG. 13A in that the cap assembly 1302 is arrangedto transmit light from another LED strip 337. The light-transmissiveportion 1308 may be made of any suitable type of light-transmissivematerial, such as glass or plastic. In some implementations, the lighttransmissive portion 1308 may include a window. Additionally oralternatively, in some implementations, the light-transmissive portion1308 may include a lens. The additional LED strip 337 may be disposed inthe opening 206 of the illumination source 200, such that at least someof light passing through the light-transmissive portion 1308 of the capassembly 1302 reaches the environment. The additional LED strip 337 maybe operatively coupled to at least one controller (not shown) that ispart of the light fixture 1200. As discussed above with respect to FIG.3 , the controller may be configured to receive a signal and change thestate of the additional LED strip 337.

Thus, as shown, the front bezel-cap assembly 1302, or a bezel-ring maysupport a lens or a window or a motion sensor, hide the direct lightfrom the LEDs and include mechanical threaded bosses into which screwsare used to mechanically close the light engine and compress the gasketthat may be present at that location. The cap may be a translucentmaterial to allow part of the LEDs direct light to be extracteddirectly. A collimating film can be inserted between LEDs and lightguide panel to tighten the beams and increase angular resolution ifdesired.

FIG. 14 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture 1400,according to aspects of the disclosure. The fixture 1400 is similar tothe fixture 800 of FIG. 8 , and includes a concave light guide 1402 thatprovides high batwing beam angles. As illustrated, the concave lightguide 1402 may lack a central opening with the centrally locatedillumination source 200, as shown in FIG. 8 , and may instead have arecess 1404 formed thereon. The recess 1404 may have a triangularcross-section or another applicable cross-section as discussed inrelation to FIG. 8 . In some implementations, the recess 1404 mayinclude a surface 1406 that defines the shape of cone. The vertex of thecone may be situated in the center of the light guide 1402 or at anoff-center position. In some implementations, the light fixture 1400 mayinclude a pan 1408 placed above the light guide 1402 such that it doesnot contain an internal opening, such as the internal opening 804 inFIG. 8 .

FIG. 15 is a diagram of an example driver circuit 1500, in accordancewith one possible electrical layout of the light fixtures disclosedherein. As illustrated, the driver circuit 1500 may include an AC/DCconverter 1502 that is configured to provide constant voltage to the LEDsegments 106 and a DC/DC converter 1504. The DC/DC converter 1504 may beconfigured to reduce the voltage supplied by the AC/DC converter 1502and feed the reduced voltage to the controller 330 and/or othercomponents of the light fixtures disclosed herein. The LED segments 106are each supplied with a fixed peak current that is pre-programmed by aconstant current regulator. The controller 330 may be configured toreceive user input via any applicable input mechanism such as a wirelessinterface or an input device, select a duty cycle based on the input,and impart the selected duty cycle on current that is flowing across theLED segments 106. In the example of FIG. 15 , the LED segments 106 arematched to one another (equal resistances) and the forward voltage ofthe LEDs in each of the LED segments 106 may be 1-2 V below the voltageoutput by the AC/DC converter 1502. The use of a constant currentregulator permits the controller 330 to individually control the lightintensity of each LED segment 106 using different duty cycles for thedifferent LED segments 106. The duty cycle may be effected, for example,by pulse width modulation supplied to the LED segment driver.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an example driver circuit 1600, in accordancewith another possible electrical layout of the light fixtures disclosedherein. As illustrated, the driver circuit 1600 may include an AC/DCconverter 1602 that is configured to provide constant voltage to the LEDsegments 106 and a DC/DC converter 1604. The DC/DC converter 1604 may beconfigured to reduce the voltage supplied by the AC/DC converter 1602and feed the reduced voltage to the controller 330 and/or othercomponents of the light fixtures disclosed herein. In accordance withthe example of FIG. 16 , each of the LED segments 106 is provided with adifferent DC/DC converter that is used to power that LED segment 106.The controller 330 may be configured to receive user input via at leastone of a wireless interface and an input device, select at least one ofa peak current or duty cycle for any of the LED segments' 106 respectiveDC/DC converters. Afterwards, the controller 330 may impart the selectedpeak current(s) and/or duty cycle(s) on respective ones of the DC/DCconverters. The use of individual DC/DC converters permits thecontroller 330 to individually control the light intensity of each LEDsegment 106 using different duty cycles for the DC/DC converters and/orby changing the peak current for the different LED segments 106.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of an example driver circuit 1700, in accordancewith yet another possible electrical layout of the light fixturesdisclosed herein. As illustrated, the driver circuit may include anAC/DC converter 1702 that is configured to provide constant current tothe LED segments 106 and a DC/DC converter 1704. The constant currentprovided to the LED segments 106 may be shared by the LED segments 106.As in the example of FIG. 15 , the LED segments 106 are matched to oneanother. The DC/DC converter 1704 may be configured to reduce thevoltage supplied by the AC/DC converter 1702 and feed the reducedvoltage to the controller 330 and/or other components of the lightfixtures disclosed herein. The controller 330 may be configured toreceive user input, via any applicable input mechanism such as awireless interface or an input device, and feed a dimming signal (DIM)to the AC/DC converter 1702 that is generated based on the user input.Based on the DIM, the AC/DC converter may change the value of thecurrent output by the AC/DC converter 1702, thereby adjusting theconstant current provided to the LED segments 106. Alternatively, or inaddition, the duty cycle of each LED segments 106 may be changed. Inthis case, because all of the LED segments 106 share the same current,only one LED segment 106 may conduct current at a particular time. Atime domain multiplexer may be used to effect this time divisioning.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of an example of a driver circuit 1800, inaccordance with yet another possible electrical layout of the lightfixtures described herein. As illustrated, the driver circuit mayinclude an AC/DC converter 1802 that is configured to provide constantcurrent to a plurality of LED segments 106 and a DC/DC converter 1804.The DC/DC converter 1804 may configured to reduce the voltage suppliedby the AC/DC converter 1802 and feed the reduced voltage to thecontroller 330 and/or other components of the light fixture 300. Thecontroller 330 may be coupled to the LED segments 106 via a gatecontroller 1806 and a plurality of shunt (bypass) switches 1808. Each ofthe switches 1808 may be configured to turn on and off a different oneof the LED segments 106 as the LED segments 106 are in series with eachother. In operation, the controller 330 may be configured to receiveuser input and cause the gate controller 1806 to change the duty cycleof one or more of the LED segments 106 based on the user input.Furthermore, based on the user input, the controller 330 may generate asignal DIM and feed that signal to the AC/DC converter 1802. Based onthe DIM, the AC/DC converter 1802 may change the peak current of itsoutput. Multiple LED segments 106 may be conducting at the same time iftheir shunt switches 1808 are not in the bypass mode.

Note that although the term constant current is used herein, theconstant current is able to vary. That is, while current is beingsupplied to the LED segments or DC/DC converter, depending on theimplementation, the current is constant. However, the current may changebetween different the LED segments or DC/DC converters.

Alternate views of the light engine are shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B. FIG.19A is a diagram of a perspective view of an assembled light engine, inaccordance with one possible electrical layout of a light fixture. FIG.19B is a diagram of a side view of the assembled light engine, inaccordance with one possible electrical layout of a light fixture. FIG.19A shows the light guide 1904 and a front bezel cap or motion sensor1902. FIG. 19B shows the flexible circuit 1908 surrounded by a centersupporting rod 1910. The reflector 1920 extends above the light guide1906 and the heat dissipation element 1930 covers the entire structure,with an airgap between the light guide 1906 and the heat dissipationelement 1930. The heat dissipation element 1930 may extend to cover thesides of the structure to protect against moisture ingress, incooperation with a sealant, such as glue or a gasket. Another sealantmay be used to seal the front bezel cap or motion sensor 1902. Acollimating film may be present between the LEDs and the light guide1906.

FIG. 19C are luminance distributions, in accordance with some aspects ofthe disclosure. The figures at the top show possible dynamicallycontrolled activation/deactivation patterns of the LEDs (for anoctagonal LED structure), with the luminance distributions of some ofthe LEDs shown. The luminance distributions shown are for activation ofall LEDs and for only half activated in a semicircle.

FIG. 21 shows a planar cross-sectional side view of a light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. This structure issimilar to that of FIG. 7A, with the addition of an underlying support.As illustrated, the pan 324 may have a top surface 312 and a sidewall314. In the present example, the outer edge 344 of the light guide 302is covered completely by the sidewall 314 of the pan 324. However, insome implementations, the length L of the sidewall may be less than thethickness T of the light guide 302, such that the outer edge 344 of thelight guide 302 is only partially covered by the sidewall 314 of the pan324. Furthermore, alternative implementations are possible in whichsidewall 314 of the pan 324 is altogether omitted. The pan 324 maycomprise any applicable material such as aluminum and may act as a heatsink, as further disclosed herein. The light fixture 2100 may bedisposed on a post 2120, such as a lamp post. As above, in someembodiments, rather than the opening extending completely through thebase 202 to above the PCB 326, the opening may terminate within the base202, and the terminal portions of the legs 104 of the flexible PCBremain unbent. Wires that extend from the post 2120 may provide thecontrol signals to the LED segments via the flexible PCB.

FIG. 22 shows a planar cross-sectional side view of a light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. This light fixture 2200is similar to that of FIG. 7A, with the pan 324 being modified. Asillustrated, the pan 324 may have a top surface 312 but not a sidewall314. Thus, the outer edge 344 of the light guide 302 is not covered bythe pan 324 and the outer edge 344 of the light guide 302 is exposed tothe environment.

FIG. 23 shows a planar cross-sectional side view of a light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. This light fixture 2300is also similar to that of FIG. 7A, with the pan 324 being modified. Asillustrated, the pan 324 may have a highly reflective top surface 312and a sidewall 314. Thus, the pan 324 may be used as a reflector withoutthe need for an additional reflector.

FIG. 24 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture, accordingto aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 2400 differs from thelight fixture 300 of FIG. 3 in that in it includes a reflective gasket2416 disposed between the pan sidewall 314 and the light guide 302.

FIG. 25 is a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture, accordingto aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 2500 differs from thelight fixture 300 of FIG. 3 in that in the reflector 304 extends overthe outer edge of the light guide 302 and is disposed between the pansidewall 314 and the outer edge of the light guide 302.

FIG. 26 shows a planar cross-sectional side view of a light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. This light fixture 2600is similar to that of FIG. 7A, with the pan 324 being modified. Asillustrated, the pan 324 may have a top surface 312 but not a sidewall314. Instead, the reflective gasket 2632 is attached to an outer edge ofthe pan 324 and extends to cover the outer edge of the light guide 302without extending under the light guide 302.

FIG. 27 shows a planar cross-sectional side view of a light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. This light fixture 2700is similar to that of FIG. 26 , with the reflective gasket 2732 beingmodified. As illustrated, the reflective gasket 2632 again extends tocover the outer edge of the light guide 302 without extending under thelight guide 302. In this case, however, the reflective gasket 2732 hasan overhang (is formed in an “L” shape) so that the reflective gasket2732 also partially covers the upper surface of the light guide 302.

FIG. 28 shows a planar cross-sectional side view of a light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. This light fixture 2800is similar to that of FIG. 27 , with the reflective gasket 2632 againbeing modified. As illustrated, the reflective gasket 2832 again extendsto cover the outer edge of the light guide 302, but this time extendsunder the light guide 302. In addition, the reflective gasket 2832 has abezeled overhang so that the reflective gasket 2832 also partiallycovers the upper surface of the light guide 302. The reflective gasket2632 is thus formed substantially in an “C” shape.

FIG. 29 shows a planar cross-sectional side view of a light fixture ofFIG. 3 , according to aspects of the disclosure. This light fixture 2900is similar to that of FIG. 28 , with the reflective gasket 2632 againbeing modified. As illustrated, the reflective gasket 2932 is againformed in an “L shape”, again extending to cover the outer edge of thelight guide 302. In this embodiment, however, the reflective gasket 2932extends under the light guide 302 but does not have an overhang.

FIG. 30 shows a planar cross-sectional view of a light fixture,according to aspects of the disclosure. The light fixture 300 differsfrom the light fixture 800 of FIG. 8 the light guide 302 has asubstantially rectangular shape. Thus, unlike the light fixture 800 ofFIG. 8 , the light guide 802 does not contain a recess 806. Like thelight fixture 800, multiple LED segments 106 are present—in the centerand on an outer edge of the light guide 802. The pan 808 is providedwith a lip to cover the outer edge LED strips 106.

FIG. 31A is a top view of an edge-lit configuration, according toaspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 31A multiple LED segments106 are disposed at an edge of a light guide 302. The LED segments 106are disposed symmetrically having constant angular difference betweenadjacent LED segments 106. As can be seen, if an insufficient number ofthe LED segments 106 are active, the resulting light 106 a in the lightguide 302 may result in a non-uniform light distribution pattern. Theuse a greater number of LEDs, however, may increase the etendue/beamwidth.

FIG. 31B is a top view of a center-lit configuration, according toaspects of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 31B, however, the use of LEDsegments 106 at the center of the light guide 302 may result in a moreuniform, if narrower, distribution of the resulting light 106 a.

As above, the interior of a vehicle (e.g., a car, a van, an SUV, atruck, a train, a plane, a cart, a ship, a boat, a recreational vehicle(RV), etc.) may be illuminated in accordance with implementations of thedisclosed subject matter. A vehicle may generally refer to any means oftransporting people or goods whether on land, air, water or othersurface. The interior of a vehicle may include a lighting system whichincludes a light guide, such as the one or more light guides disclosedherein. The light guide plate may be shaped to illuminate differentvehicle areas based on modification in light characteristics of the oneor more independently addressable LED segments, as disclosed herein. Thelight guide plate may generate a light distribution that is anyapplicable shape such as a circular, oval, square, or rectangular shape.As disclosed herein, the light guide plate may have an inner surfacethat is configured or shaped to receive light from the plurality ofindependently addressable LED segments. The light guide plate may extendoutward from the plurality of independently addressable LED segments andmay be configured (e.g., shaped, arranged, positioned, etc.) to provideillumination from the plurality of independently addressable LEDsegments inside the vehicle.

The lighting system may include a light engine, as disclosed herein. Thelighting system may be configured such that one or more lightingcharacteristics of different independently addressable LED segments aremodified based on received information, as disclosed herein. As anexample, the lighting system may illuminate a first vehicle area byactivating an independently addressable LED segment based on informationthat the first area is occupied by an individual. The lighting systemmay dynamically update the illumination of the interior of the vehiclebased one or more changes in the information provided to the lightingsystem.

FIG. 34 shows a vehicle interior lighting system 3400 for a vehicle 3410that includes a light engine 3401. The light engine 3401 may include aplurality of independently addressable LED segments 3414 and may alsoinclude a light intensity control module 3402, a light directionalcontrol module 3403, and a light color control module 3404. According toan implementation, the light intensity control module 3402, lightdirectional control module 3403, and the light color control module 3404may be external to the light engine and may, for example, be part of thecontroller 3415, processor 3416, or other external component. Thecontroller 3415 may be configured to receive a signal from processor3416 and may cause one or more light characteristics of light emittedvia the light engine and/or a light guide plate that receives lightemitted by the light engine. The processor 3416 may receive ainformation from either the vehicle sensor system 3405 or the vehiclecommunication system 3409 and may generate and provide a signal to thecontroller 3415 based on the information. The information may be one ormore of image data, video data, and location-tracked image data, facialrecognition data, face detection data, shape recognition data, machinelearning data, computer vision data, weather data, environmental data,user profile data, and object location data. Further, the informationmay be based on one or more of occupancy detection, object detection,passenger detection, weight detection, pressure detection, driver and/orpassenger identification via an image, an identifier, a mobile device, auser input, historical data, gaze detection, occupant positioning, avehicle component and/or mode, or the like. Such information may becollected by an occupancy detection system 3406 and/or a driver andpassenger identification system 3407 which may be part of the vehiclesensor system 3405 or may be collected by a detection system 3408 whichmay be part of the vehicle sensor system 3405 or may be external to thevehicle sensor system 3405. According to this implementation, thevehicle sensor system may include sensors and generate information basedon vehicle specific components and a detection system may includesensors and generate information independent or partially independent ofvehicle specific components. Further, the information may be an updateto an object location from a previously detected or known objectlocation. The processor 3416 may receive the information from a vehiclecommunication system 3409 which includes one or more sensors, profileinformation, vehicle component information (e.g., seat position, doorposition, steering wheel position, speed, ambient conditions, etc.). Thevehicle communication system 3409 may be in communication with internalvehicle components and/or a user mobile device 3411 which includes amobile device sensor system 3412 and/or a user device communicationsystem 3413.

The light engine 3401 may include a plurality of independentlyaddressable LED segments 3414 and each segment may include one or aplurality of LEDs. The LED segments 3414 may include a plurality of thesame or similar LEDs or may include a group of LEDs that are differentthan each other. For example, an independently addressable LED segmentmay include a first LED configured to emit a first color and a secondLED configured to emit a second color. The light engine 3401 may furtherinclude a flexible PCB having a base and a plurality of legs extendingfrom the base, as disclosed herein. One or more of the plurality of legsextending from the base may be connected to one or more of theindependently addressable LED segments 3414 such that a signal maytraverse across a portion of a leg (e.g., via an integrated bus orelectrical conductors) from a contact.

The light intensity control module 3402 may be configured to adjust theluminance provided by one or more independently addressable LED segments3414 or the illuminance at a vehicle area. For example, the controller3415 may provide a light control signal to the light intensity controlmodule 3402 such that the light intensity control module 3402subsequently provides a signal to the independently addressable LEDsegments 3414 via corresponding flexible PCB leg. The signal may causeone or more of the independently addressable LED segments to modifyluminance intensity (e.g., increase intensity, decrease intensity, turnon/off LED segment, turn on/off one or more LEDs in an LED segment,etc.). As disclosed herein, although the light intensity control module3402 is shown as part of the light engine 3401, it may be part of thecontroller 3415 or processor 3416.

The light directional control module 3403 may be part of the lightengine 3401 or may be external to the light engine 3401 and be part ofthe controller 3415, processor 3416 or other external component. Thelight directional control module 3403 may be configured to adjust whichindependently addressable LED segments are activated or may communicatewith the light intensity control module 3402 to adjust the intensity ofone or more LED segments such that light is emitted in specific vehicleareas and/or in specific vehicle areas at a given intensity. Forexample, the controller 3415 may provide a light control signal to thelight directional control module 3403 such that the light directionalcontrol module 3403 provides a signal to the independently addressableLED segments 3414 via corresponding flexible PCB leg. The signal maycause one or more of the independently addressable LED segments toactivate or deactivate to steer light within the interior of the vehicleto a specific vehicle area.

The light color control module 3404 may be configured to adjust thecolor, temperature, or the like, provided by one or more independentlyaddressable LED segments 3414. For example, the controller 3415 mayprovide a light control signal to the light color control module 3404such that the light color control module 3404 provides a signal to theindependently addressable LED segments 3414 via corresponding flexiblePCB leg. The signal may cause one or more of the independentlyaddressable LED segments to modify a color or related attribute of lightemitted by the one or more independently addressable LED segments. Asdisclosed herein, although the light color control module 3404 is shownas part of the light engine 3401, it may be part of the controller 3415or processor 3416.

A controller 3415 may be connected to the one or more legs that extendfrom a base of the flexible PCB via the one or more correspondingcontacts on each leg. As disclosed herein, according to animplementation, the one or more legs may bend or may curve acrossmultiple planes such that the controller 3415 may be in contact with theone or more legs on a different plane than the plane on which thecorresponding independently addressable LED segments 3414 are located orattached to the one or more legs. The controller 3415 may be configuredto generate and provide light control signals to modify one or morelight characteristics of the one or more independently addressable LEDsegments 3414, as further disclosed herein. The controller 3415 maymodify the one or more light characteristics by sending one or multiplelight control signals to the one or more independently addressable LEDsegments 3414 via contacts on one or more legs in electrical contactwith the one or more independently addressable LED segments 3414.

The controller 3415 may be an internal or external controller ormicrocontroller, and may convert incoming data (e.g., convert aprocessor provided signal such as serial control data, etc.) intolighting control signals such as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals,and apply such signals to control the one or more independentlyaddressable LED segments 3414. The controller 3415 may be a PWMgenerator and control the independently addressable LED segments 3414based on one or more techniques that the controller may implement, suchas, DMX (Digital Multiplex)/serial conversion to PWM, DALI (DigitalAddressable Lighting Interface)/1-10V dimmer conversion to PWM, PWMgeneration, an unmodulated output, EIA/TIA-485 standard based output, orthe like. According to an implementation, the controller 3415 maygenerate a first type of signal, such as a PWM signal with a first widthto control a first light characteristic (e.g., brightness) and maygenerate a second type of signal, such as a PWM signal with a secondwidth to control a second light characteristic (e.g., intensity).

The controller 3415 may modify the one or more light characteristicsbased on one or more signals received from a processor 3416. Accordingto implementations, the controller 3415 and the processor 3416 may bethe same component, may be housed in the same housing, or may be housedin separate housings. A housing may include a support structure havingan outer surface, an inner surface, and/or a hole. The plurality ofindependently addressable LED segments may be attached to the base of aflexible PCB such that the base of the flexible PCB is positioned on theouter surface of the housing and the plurality of legs extend throughthe hole and over the inner surface, as disclosed herein.

The processor 3416 may be a general purpose processor, a special purposeprocessor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), aplurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in associationwith a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), a state machine,and the like. The processor 3416 may perform signal coding, dataprocessing, power control, input/output processing, and/or any otherfunctionality that enables the light engine to operate in accordancewith the subject matter disclosed herein.

The vehicle sensor system 3405 may be housed in the same housing as thelight engine 3401, as shown in FIG. 32A and further disclosed herein, ormay be external to the light engine 3401. For example, the vehiclesensor system 3405 may be located within an opening in a light guidesuch that the opening also includes the light engine 3401. According tothis example, the vehicle sensor system 3405 may be in a gap that iscreated inside of a plurality of the independently addressable LEDsegments 3414 that are part of the light engine 3401. As an example ofan external vehicle sensor system 3405, a detection system 3408 mayinclude a gaze sensor which may be located on the dashboard of a vehiclesuch that the sensor is in line of sight with a driver of the vehicle.The gaze detection sensor may send a first input signal to a processor3416 that is located in the same housing as the light engine 3401 on theceiling of the vehicle.

A vehicle sensor system 3405 may include one or more sensors(collectively referred to as a sensor), user input receivers, or thelike, which may generate information based on one or more of occupancydetection, object detection, passenger detection, weight detection,pressure detection, (e.g., by occupancy detection module 3406), driverand/or passenger identification via an image, an identifier, a mobiledevice, a user input, historical data (e.g., by a driver and passengeridentification module 3407), gaze detection and/or occupant positioning(e.g., by a detection system 3408), a vehicle component and/or mode, orthe like, which are part of the vehicle sensor system 3405.

According to an implementation, the detection system 3408 may beexternal to the vehicle sensor system. According to this implementation,the detection system 3408 may not be part of a vehicle sensor system3405 such that it may rely on one or more features of the vehicle sensorsystem 3405 to detect (e.g., sense, collect, gather) information. Thedetection system 3408 may provide information directly to the processor3416 or may provide information to the vehicle sensor system 3405 whichprovides the information or a modified form of the information to theprocessor 3416. A detection system 3408 may be self-powered or may bepart of the circuitry of the vehicle 3410. The detection system 3408 mayinclude one or more sensors as disclosed herein in relation to thevehicle sensor system 3405 and/or the vehicle communication system 3409.As an example, the detection system 3408 may be independent of thevehicle 3410 such that it may be housed in the same housing light engine3401 and may detect motion within vehicle areas. This example detectionsystem 3408 may provide motion information directly to the processor3416 and one or more light characteristics may be modified based on theinformation, as disclosed herein.

The vehicle sensor system 3405 may be activated at all times (e.g.,while the vehicle has battery power), when the vehicle engine isactivated, when the vehicle is locked or unlocked, based on an object's(e.g., individual's) proximity to the vehicle, and/or based on a timelapse between an action or activity. Example implementations of thevehicle sensor system 3405 are further disclosed in reference to FIG.32A-FIG. 33 .

The vehicle communication system 3409 may provide the processor 3416with a information based on a user profile module. A user profile modulemay include preferences for one or more users. The user profile modulemay include or may be connected to a storage unit configured to storeone or more user preferences, user profiles, and/or usercharacteristics. The user preferences may be input by a user or may beascertained by components of the vehicle. As a first example, the userprofile may include light intensity or light color preferences for theuser. The light intensity or light color preferences for the user may beprovided by the user during an initial set-up of the vehicle. As anotherexample, the user profile module may include the seat location (depth,height, lumbar support, etc.) settings for a user. The seat location maybe automatically set as a default seat location based on multiple usesof the vehicle in that seat location. The user profile module mayprovide information to the processor 3416 and, as further disclosedherein, one or more light characteristics of light emitted by the lightengine 3401 may be modified based on the information. For example, afirst user may enter a vehicle and the seat location may be adjustedbased on determining that the individual that entered the vehicle is thefirst user (e.g., by correlating the first user's mobile device or keywith the first user). Accordingly, information indicating the seatlocation may be provided to the processor 3416 and a lightcharacteristic (e.g., illumination area) may be modified, via the lightengine, to illuminate an area based on the seat location.

The vehicle communication system 3409 may provide the processor 3416with information based on a user input module. A user input module maybe any component or device that receives input provided by a user andmay include input by a device separate and/or external to the vehicleinterior such as a user mobile device 3411. A user mobile device 3411may include a mobile device sensor system 3412 and/or a user devicecommunication system 3413. The user mobile device 3411 may communicatewith the vehicle communication system via a wireless transmission suchas a WiFi transmission, a Bluetooth transmission, an IR transmission, aNFC transmission, a cellular transmission, or the like or by a wired orcontact (E.g., Qi connection) based transmission. For example, thevehicle communication system 3409 may be configured to automaticallyconnect to a user mobile device 3411 via a Bluetooth connection when theuser enters the vehicle 3410. The connection may result in the vehiclecommunication system 3409 sending information based on determining auser location (e.g., seat position), a user profile, a user preference,or the like. Further, the user may provide an input using his or heruser mobile device 3411 such as providing an input to change a lightcharacteristic, changing a vehicle setting, or the like. For example, auser may use an imbedded application on the user mobile device 3411 tochange the intensity of light at the user's location in the vehicle. Thevehicle communication system 3409 may receive this input and may provideinformation to the processor 3416 based on the input.

According to an implementation, a light characteristic may be modifiedto provide a spot of reduced horizontal illumination surrounding or on amoving object (e.g., a user). The spot of reduced horizontalillumination may follow the moving object and may, for example, increasethe contrast around the moving object. According to a specificimplementation, the horizontal illumination may track the moving objectwhile the vertical plane remains the same such that the same verticalplanes of the vehicle is illuminated as the object moves.

Further, the vehicle communication system 3409 may receive an input froma user input module via a vehicle interior component. A vehicle interiorcomponent may be a physical selection component (e.g., a center counselbutton, a dashboard button, a seat adjustment button, a light adjustmentbutton, etc.), a sensory input receiver (e.g., a touch input, a voicecommand, a motion gesture, a gaze change, etc.), or the like. Forexample, a user may input a change in light intensity using a voicecommand. The vehicle communication system 3409 may receive the voicecommand and provide information to the processor 3416 based on the voicecommand.

The vehicle communication system 3409 may obtain information from one ormore vehicle interior components or attributes such as an accelerometer,a speedometer, an onboard CPU, an alert system, a vehicle door sensor, avehicle occupancy detector, or the like. For example, the vehiclecommunication system 3409 may receive an input from a vehicle speedsensor or accelerometer and, based on a predetermined setting, mayprovide information to the processor 3416 such that any light thatilluminates a driver's area is turned off.

FIG. 35 shows a flowchart for modifying a light characteristic,according to aspects of the disclosure. As described herein in referenceto FIG. 34 , at step 3510 of FIG. 35 , a processor 3416 may receiveinformation from a vehicle sensor system 3405, a vehicle communicationsystem 3409, and/or a detection system 3408. The information may beprovided by a wired transmission or a wireless transmission (e.g., aWiFi transmission, a Bluetooth transmission, an IR transmission, a NFCtransmission, and a cellular transmission, etc.). The vehicle sensorsystem 3405, the vehicle communication system 3409, and/or detectionsystem 3408 may be in the same housing as the processor 3416 or may beexternal to the housing that the processor 3416 is contained within. Thehousing may include a support structure having an outer surface, aninner surface, and/or a hole. The housing may be configured such that itdoes not block light emitted from a light guide plate and towardsdifferent vehicle areas. The plurality of independently addressable LEDsegments may be attached to the base of a flexible PCB such that thebase of the flexible PCB is positioned on, adjacent to, or near theouter surface of the housing and the plurality of legs extend throughthe hole and over the inner surface, as disclosed herein. According toan implementation, the vehicle communication system 3409 may be externalto the vehicle, as further shown in FIG. 37 .

At step 3520 of FIG. 35 , the processor 3416 may generate a signal basedon the information and may provide the signal to the controller 3415.The processor 3416 may generate the signal based on one or more of themodules (light intensity control module 3402, light directional controlmodule 3403, and light color control module 3404), as disclosed herein,or may provide the signal to one or more of the modules via thecontroller 3415. The processor 3416 may provide the signal to thecontroller 3415 by a wired transmission or a wireless transmission(e.g., a WiFi transmission, a Bluetooth transmission, an IRtransmission, a NFC transmission, and a cellular transmission, etc.).

At step 3530 of FIG. 35 , the controller 3415 may provide a controllersignal to one or more of the independently addressable LED segments3414. The independently addressable LED segments 3414 may be connectedto the controller 3415 via legs that extend from a base of a flexiblePCB. Some or all of the legs may include an integrated bus line thatconnects one or more independently addressable LED segments 3414 to arespective contact on the some or all of the legs. The contacts may beelectrically connected to the controller such that a signal provided bythe controller is provided to one or more independently addressable LEDsegments 3414 via the integrated bus line.

The controller signal provided by the controller 3415 causes amodification of a light characteristic of at least one independentlyaddressable LED segment 3414. The controller 3415 may generate thesignal based on one or more of the modules (light intensity controlmodule 3402, light directional control module 3403, and light colorcontrol module 3404). The controller signal may cause one or more of theindependently addressable LED segments 3414 or one or more of theplurality of LEDs in one or more independently addressable LED segments3414 to activate, deactivate, increase or decrease: intensity,brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, temperature, a polarization,etc., physically change (e.g., move, shift, tilt, open/close a cover),or otherwise modify a light characteristic. Modifying a lightcharacteristic may result in a change in illumination of one or morevehicle areas such as, but not limited to, an area being illuminated ornot illuminated, an intensity, brightness, contrast, saturation, hue,temperature, etc, based change in illumination, or the like. A vehiclearea may be any applicable area of a vehicle and may vary betweenvehicles. For example, a car or truck may have a driver area, a frontpassenger area, a rear right passenger area, a rear middle passengerarea, a rear left passenger area, a front row, a middle row, and a backrow. A train may have a passenger car area, a conductor area, aninter-car area, an intra-car area, an entrance area, or the like. Aplane may have a cockpit area, a preparation area, a passenger area, anentrance area, a window area, a isle area, or the like. A boat or shipmay have a deck area, a port area, a shaft area, an upper area, a lowerarea, a storage area, a control area, or the like.

At step 3540 the lighting system may be deactivated such that one or allof the components including, but not limited to, the processor 3416, thecontroller 3415, the independently addressable LED segments 3414including their respective LEDs, the vehicle sensor system 3405, thevehicle communication system 3409, and the detection system 3408 may beturned off. The components may turn off as a result of loss of powerfrom the vehicle 3410 or may be turned off based on a threshold amountof time passing after a given action (e.g., vehicle turned off, lack ofsensed motion or object, etc.). It will be understood that a deactivatedcomponent, as applied herein, may refer to a mode of suspension where agiven component may be in an idle state but may still be powered.

FIG. 32A shows an example implementation of the disclosed subjectmatter. As shown in FIG. 32A, the vehicle may include a controller 3206,a processor 3207, a back row independently addressable LED segment 3205,a front row independently addressable LED segment 3208, and a sensor(not shown). The sensor may receive a back row sensor signal 3203 andmay provide information to the processor 3207 based on not detecting anobject in the back row via the back row sensor signal 3203. Based on theinformation, the processor 3207 may provide a corresponding signal tothe controller 3206. The controller 3206 may provide a light controlsignal to the back row independently addressable LED segment 3205 via acontact on the leg of a flexible PCB that the back row independentlyaddressable LED segment 3205 is placed on. The back row independentlyaddressable LED segment 3205 may emit light such that an intense light3202 illuminates the back row area of the vehicle. The intense light mayallow visibility to an individual who is entering the vehicle.

The sensor may receive a front row sensor signal 3204 and may provideinformation to the processor 3207 based on detecting an object (anindividual in this example) in the front row via the front row sensorsignal 3204. Based on the information, the processor 3207 may provide acorresponding signal to the controller 3206. The controller 3206 mayprovide a light control signal to the front row independentlyaddressable LED segment 3208 via a contact on the leg of a flexible PCBthat the front row independently addressable LED segment 3208 is placedon. The front row independently addressable LED segment 3208 may emitlight such that an dim light 3201 illuminates the front row area of thevehicle. The dim light may allow a low amount of visibility for theindividual sitting in the front row without illuminating anuncomfortable amount of bright light onto the induvial.

It shall be noted that the front row and the back row are independentlyilluminated based on modifying a lighting characteristic of a back rowindependently addressable LED segment 3205 separate and apart from afront row independently addressable LED segment 3208. The processor 3207may receive one or multiple inputs and may provide one or multipleoutputs to the controller 3206. The controller 3206 may thenindependently address one or multiple LED segments based on thesignal(s) received from the processor 3207.

As a further example, as shown in FIG. 32A, the sensor signals 3203 and3204 may be generated when the vehicle door is open such that the backrow independently addressable LED segment 3205 and the front rowindependently addressable LED segment 3208 may only be activated becausethe door is open. The back row independently addressable LED segment3205 and the front row independently addressable LED segment 3208 mayeach be deactivated prior to the door being opened and after the doorbeing shut. An indication that the door is open may be provided to theprocessor 3207 by a vehicle communication system, such as vehiclecommunication system 3609 of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 32B shows a top view of the elements shown in FIG. 32A. As shown,the back row independently addressable LED segment 3205 may emit lightsuch that an intense light 3202 illuminates the back row area of thevehicle. Notably, the back row independently addressable LED segment3205 may include multiple LED segments such that when one or more of thesegments is activated, the resulting illumination is directed to theback row vehicle area. As also shown, the front row independentlyaddressable LED segment 3208 may emit light such that a dim light 3201illuminates the front row area of the vehicle. Notably, the front rowindependently addressable LED segment 3208 may include multiple LEDsegments such that when one or more of the segments is activated, theresulting illumination is directed to the front row vehicle area.

As shown in FIG. 32B, a mounting element 3220 may be attached to a lightguide plate or to a light engine and may be used to mount the lightguide plate and light engine to a surface (e.g., a vehicle ceiling, asshown). The mounting element may be structurally strong to support theweight of a light guide plate, a light engine, one or more additionalplates, etc. It will be understood that the light guide plate may beshaped such that the vertical light emission emitted via the light guideplate is emitted in a downward direction such that the ceiling is notunnecessarily or undesirably illuminated. The mounting element 3220 mayinclude a heat dissipating material such that heat generated by thelight engine is dissipated across the mounting element 3220 and/or intothe surface that the mounting element 3220 is attached to (e.g., avehicle ceiling). The mounting element 3220 may be made of anyapplicable material such as a metal, a plastic, or a combination ofmaterials. According to an implementation, one or more sensors may bepositioned inside the mounting element 3220.

FIG. 32C shows another example implementation of the disclosed subjectmatter. A back row sensor signal 3203 may provide information to theprocessor 3207 and may indicate that no object is detected in the backrow. A front row sensor signal 3204 may provide information to theprocessor 3207 and may indicate that an object (e.g., an individual) isdetected in the front row. Accordingly, the processor 3207 may provide asignal to the controller 3206 and the controller 3206 may activate theback row independently addressable LED segment 3205. According to thisimplementation, the front row independently addressable LED segment 3208may not be activated and only the back row of the vehicle may beilluminated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 32C, the back door 3210 of the vehicle is openwhile the front door 3209 of the vehicle is closed. A vehiclecommunication system, such as vehicle communication system 3609 of FIG.34 may provide information to the processor 3207 indicating that theback door 3210 of the vehicle is open and/or the front door 3209 of thevehicle is closed. Based on the information, the processor 3207 mayprovide a signal to the controller 3206 and the controller 3206 mayactivate the back row independently addressable LED segment 3205.According to this implementation, the front row independentlyaddressable LED segment 3208 may not be activated and only the back rowof the vehicle may be illuminated as an individual may be able tovisually see the back row vehicle area as the individual enters thevehicle.

FIG. 33 shows an example implementation of independently addressable LEDsegments 3202A through 3202E arranged in a circular pattern on theceiling of a vehicle 3300. As disclosed herein, the location ofindependently addressable LED segments 3202A through 3202E maycorrespond to a vehicle area of illumination. For example, modifying alight characteristic via independently addressable LED segments 3202Amay correspond to the modification of a light characteristic in vehiclearea A, modifying a light characteristic via independently addressableLED segments 3202B may correspond to the modification of a lightcharacteristic in vehicle area B, modifying a light characteristic viaindependently addressable LED segments 3202C may correspond to themodification of a light characteristic in vehicle area C, modifying alight characteristic via independently addressable LED segments 3202Dmay correspond to the modification of a light characteristic in vehiclearea D, and modifying a light characteristic via independentlyaddressable LED segments 3202E may correspond to the modification of alight characteristic in vehicle area E. It will be understood thatalthough a circular pattern is shown herein, a plurality ofindependently addressable LED segments may be arranged in any applicableconfiguration and may be arranged such that they are located indifferent vehicle areas (e.g., a vehicle ceiling, vehicle dashboard,vehicle door, vehicle floor, vehicle window, or the like). For example,a first subset of independently addressable LED segments may be locatedin a first vehicle area and a second subset of independently addressableLED segments may be located in a second vehicle area.

As shown in FIG. 33 , a light guide plate 3303 may be provided. It willbe understood that although the light guide plate 3303 may fully orpartially surround the plurality of independently addressable LEDsegments 3202A-E and that the independently addressable LED segments3202A-E, as shown in FIG. 33 include a portion of the light guide plate3303 (e.g., towards the outer edge of the circular disc shown in FIG. 33. As disclosed herein, the light guide plate 3303 may have an innersurface that is opposite to or may face one or more of the independentlyaddressable LED segments 3202A-E. The inner surface of the light guideplate 3303 may be configured (e.g., shaped, arranged, positioned, etc.)to receive light from the plurality of independently addressable LEDsegments 3202A-E. For example, each of the independently addressable LEDsegments 3202A-E may include an active layer such that all or most ofthe light emitted from the active layer of each of the respectiveindependently addressable LED segments 3202A-E is directed towards andinto the inner surface of the light guide plate 3303. According to animplementation, one or more of the independently addressable LEDsegments 3202A-E may include wavelength converting layer that converts awavelength of light emitted by the one or more active layers. The lightguide plate 3303 may extend outward from the inner surface and/or theplurality of independently addressable LED segments and may beconfigured (e.g., shaped, arranged, positioned, etc.) to provideillumination from the plurality of independently addressable LEDsegments inside the vehicle. The light guide plate 3303 may extendoutward to create a light guide plate shape such as a triangular shape,a chamfered shape, a, convex shape, a concave shape, or the like. Asdisclosed herein, the light guide plate 3303 may direct light to one ormore different areas of a vehicle. The light may be directed towards theone or more different areas based on the shape of the light guide plate3303 and/or based on a characteristic of the plurality of independentlyaddressable LED segments 3202A-E.

According to an implementation of the disclosed subject matter, one ormore light characteristics may be dynamically updated. As shown in FIG.36 , a first information may be received from a vehicle sensor system, avehicle communication system, or a detection system, at a first time, asshown at step 3610. As disclosed herein, the first information may bereceived by a processor which may generate and provide a signal to acontroller. The first information may be based on a first objectcharacteristic (e.g., an object location, an object size, a gazelocation, a user input, and a vehicle component (e.g., a door position,a window position, a seat position, a vehicle speed, and a vehicle gear,etc.), or the like.). The controller may receive the processor generatedsignal to generate and provide a first signal based on the firstinformation to at least one independently addressable LED segment atstep 3620. The controller may provide the first signal to the at leastone independently addressable LED segment via a leg of a flexible PCBcomprising a contact in electrical contact with the controller and inelectrical contact with the independently addressable LED segment via anintegrated bus. At least one light characteristic of the LED segment maybe modified based on the first signal at step 3630. As an example, withreference to FIG. 33 , a first object may be sensed by an objectdetection sensor, at vehicle area E, at a first time. The objectdetection sensor may provide the first information to a processor thatprovides a signal to a controller to illuminate area E based on thefirst information. The controller may provide a controller signal to anindependently addressable LED segment 3302E which activates toilluminate vehicle area E via light guide plate 3303.

As shown in FIG. 36 , a second information may be received from thevehicle sensor system, the vehicle communication system, or thedetection system at a second time, as shown at step 3640. As disclosedherein, the second information may be received by a processor which maygenerate and provide a signal to a controller. The second informationmay be based on the first object characteristic or a different objectcharacteristic. The controller may receive the processor generatedsignal to generate and provide a second signal based on the secondinformation to at least one independently addressable LED segment atstep 3650. At least one light characteristic of the LED segment may bemodified based on the second signal at step 3660. The modified lightcharacteristic at step 3660 may be the same as or different than thelight characteristic at step 3630. Further, the independentlyaddressable LED segment of step 3640 may be the same as or differentthan the independently addressable LED segment of step 3620. Continuingthe previous example, with reference to FIG. 33 , the first object maybe sensed, by an object detection sensor, at vehicle area C, at a secondtime (e.g., an individual may move from vehicle area E to vehicle areaC). The object detection sensor may provide a second information to aprocessor that provides a signal to a controller to illuminate area Cbased on the second information. The controller may provide a controllersignal to independently addressable LED segment 3302C which activates toilluminate vehicle area C via light guide 3303. Additionally, thecontroller may provide a controller signal to independently addressableLED segment 3302E which deactivates and no longer illuminates vehiclearea E.

Notably, the vehicle sensor system and/or the vehicle communicationsystem may dynamically update based on a time period, a predeterminedevent (e.g., a sensor reading, user input, a vehicle characteristic,etc.). Update information may be provided to the processor accordingly,and one or more light characteristics may be modified as a result, asdisclosed herein.

As disclosed herein, a vehicle sensor system and/or a vehiclecommunication system may include one or more sensors. The one or moresensors may include an infra-red (IR) sensor, passive infra-red sensor(PIR), a camera, a motion detection sensor, a microwave sensor a weightsensor, a pressure sensor, an ultra sound sensor, a proximity sensor, acapacitive sensor, a photoelectric sensor, an inductive sensor, amagnetic sensor, or the like. Notably, a sensor may be any physical(including electronic, magnetic, or chemical) device that detects ormeasures a property. A sensor may further record, transmit, indicate,generate feedback from or otherwise respond to the detection ormeasurement of the property.

One or more sensors may be located within an opening in a light guidewhich may or may not also include the light engine. The one or moresensors may be placed such that they are not visible to an observerexternal to the light guide. The one or more sensors may be placed inthe opening adjacent to, above, below, behind or in front ofindependently addressable LED segments, a controller, a processor, orthe like. A cap may be placed at an end of the light guide plate suchthat the one or more sensors are able to detect their respectiveobjects, actions, or events despite the cap. The one or more sensors maybe flush with or may be within any plane created by the light guide(e.g., above a horizontal plane created by the bottom most portion ofthe light guide.

As non-limiting examples, a PIR may detect body heat (e.g., infraredenergy) to provide object detection (e.g., body detection) and/or objectmovement (body movement) within a pre-determined range of volume. An IRsensor, PIR sensor, or any motion based sensor may generate a virtualgrid within a given volume with cubes inside the grid serving asmeasurement markers. If an object traverses within a given volume (e.g.,an individual moving from the front to the back of a train), then theobject may block or reflect within a threshold amount of grid zones,which may provide a motion indication. An ultrasonic sensor may emitpulses of ultrasonic waves and measure the reflections that are returnedto the sensor. A comparison between a first returned wave and a secondreturned wave may indicate motion of an object.

Two or more sensors may be combined or operated simultaneously to reducepotential false results. For example, a PIR sensor could be combinedwith a microwave sensor such that an input to a processor is generatedonly if both sensors are triggered. In this example, as each of the twosensors operates in different areas of the spectrum, the motion sensorsare less likely to trigger based on a false action, object, or event.

A weight sensor may constantly or periodically calculate the weight ofan object or the vehicle may include a trigger mechanism such that anobject over a certain weight automatically triggers the mechanism.

A sensor that is part of a vehicle sensor system and/or a vehiclecommunication system may be housed in the same housing as a lightengine, as disclosed herein, or may be external to one or morecomponents of the light engine. Notably, specific sensors such as a gazedetection sensor may be better suited to be located external to, forexample, a ceiling mounted light engine as they may be better configuredto detect a gaze if located at or near the dashboard or other userfacing location.

FIG. 37 shows an example camera 3701 sensor that is part of a vehiclesensor system in a vehicle 3700. The camera 3701 may be configured todetect objects, movement, and may further be configured for facialrecognition to identify one or more individuals that are in a vehicle(e.g., to apply applicable user profiles and modify lightingcharacteristics, as disclosed herein). The camera 3701 may be locatedinside the vehicle and may be housed in the same housing as theindependently addressable LED segments 3720, controller 3719, and/orprocessor 3710, as disclosed herein. Alternatively, the camera 3701 maybe located in a vehicle area external to one or more of theindependently addressable LED segments 3720, controller 3719, and/orprocessor 3710.

As shown in FIG. 37 , the camera 3701 may comprise a charge coupleddevice (CCD) 3702 and digital signal processor (DSP) 3707 thatcommunicate with each other, as shown. The DSP 3707 may also communicatewith the processor 3710 and/or an image input 3712 to which the DSPconnects. An imaging processing unit 3711 may also be included and maybe external to a light engine or may be part of a light engine. Theprocessor 3710 may send an exposure time signal back to the camera3710's DSP 3707. A program 3713 may be stored in memory 3714 along withone or more sensor thresholds, controls, user profiles, images, and thelike. The DSP 3707 may further comprise an analog digital converter(ADC) 3704 that receives a CCD 3702 input, a color converter unit 3706that outputs a digital image signal to the image input 3712 of theimaging processing unit 3711. An exposure control unit 3703 may output asignal to the CCD 3702 to optimize the collection of an image or aseries of images (e.g., a video). A register 3705 may receive anexposure signal from the processor and may output corresponding signalsto the exposure control unit 3703 and the color converter unit 3706. Theprocessor 3710 may output a signal to a controller 3719, as disclosedherein. The signal may be based on an input received from the camera3701 and analyzed, modified, or otherwise developed based on one or moreof the image input 3712, image processing unit 3711, memory 3714, andprogram 3713.

According to an implementation, the image input 3712 may receive aninput from a network 3716 via a network interface device 3715. Thenetwork 3716 may receive the input from a mobile device 3717, a remoteserver 3718 or any other applicable database or network device.According to this implementation, the camera 3701 may not be present orutilized. As a specific example, a user may use her mobile device 3717for facial recognition. The mobile device may provide the facialrecognition-based data to the network interface device 3715 via thenetwork 3716. Based on the facial recognition data, the processor 3710may associate the user's image with a stored user image in the memory3714 and the program 3713 may associate the stored user image in thememory 3714 with a specific user profile (which may also, optionally, bestored in the memory). The processor 3710 may generate a signal based onthe user profile input and may provide the signal to the controller3719. The controller may modify a light characteristic via one or moreindependently addressable LED segments 3720 based on the signal. As aresult, beam and/or beam pattern generated by a light guide associatedwith the independently addressable LED segments 3720 may be modifiedand, accordingly, the illumination of one or more vehicle areas may bemodified, as disclosed herein.

According to an implementation, the vehicle interior lighting system3400 of FIG. 34 may communicate with a network 3716, as shown in FIG. 37for one or more purposes. The lighting system may communicate with thenetwork 3716 via a network interface device 3715. The network 3716 mayprovide firmware, software, or other electronic updates to the vehicleinterior lighting system 3400. For example, a user profile may beprovided by the network 3716 when a user first purchases a vehicle. Theuser profile may be used to modify lighting characteristics, asdisclosed herein, when the user first uses the vehicle, such that thevehicle feels personalized form the first use of the vehicle. Suchelectronic updates may be provided based on a manufacturer update or maybe user initiated. In this implementation, the camera 3701 may or maynot be present in the vehicle 3700.

Although some of the concepts disclosed herein are presented in thecontext of adaptive automotive lighting, it will be understood that thedisclosed segmented LED chip implementations, adaptive lighting systemimplementations, and processes for operating adaptive lighting systemscan be employed in any context. For example, they can be used in indoorlighting systems, street lighting systems, stage lighting systems,decorative lighting systems, and greenhouse lighting systems. Thus, thedisclosure is not limited to the examples presented herein.

FIG. 38 is a diagram of a flexible printed circuit board 3801, which maysimilar to flexible printed circuit board 100 of FIG. 1A. The flexibleprinted circuit board 3801 may include a body 3806 which includes a LEDsegment (or LED bank) 3820 which may include one or more LEDs 3821. Theone or more LEDs 3821 may emit the same color light or may emitdifferent colored lights. LEDs 3821 which emit different colored lightsmay emit light such that the when viewed from an external point, thedifferent colored lights combine to produce a single color that is ablend of the different colored lights. The LED strip 3801 also mayinclude a leg 3802 which may be flexible such that it bends, folds,curves, or otherwise shapes itself. For example, the leg 3802 may bendat bend points 3803 to wrap around an object or structure such as base338 of FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A. A bend, as used herein, may be a change indirection of one or more portions of a leg such that, for example, afirst portion of the leg is in a first plane and a second portion of theleg is in a second plane. Additional bends may be present such that, forexample, a third portion of the leg is in a third plane and so on foradditional portions of the leg. It will be understood that the bendpoints 3803 are an example only and the leg 3802 may include multipleadditional bend points, may be configured to bend without bend points,may be a flexible tape, or the like. According to an implementation, theLED strip 3801 may have an adhesive backing for affixing the LED strip3801 to an object or structure such as base 338 of FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A.

The leg 3802 may include electrical contacts 3804 and 3805 forcontrolling the LEDs 3821 in the LED bank 3820. For example, thecontacts 3804 and 3805 may be used to provide a signal to the LEDs 3821in the LED bank 3820. The signal may be, for example, one of: (1)turning off/on the LEDs 3821, (2) changing the brightness of the LEDs3821 (3) changing the color of light output by the LEDs 3821, and/or (4)controlling another characteristic of the operation of the LEDs 3821.The contacts may include any conductive material such as, but notlimited to, silver, copper, gold, platinum, and/or palladium.

The LEDs 3821 in LED bank 3820 may be connected to one another inseries, in parallel, and/or in any other suitable way and may beconfigured to output the same color of light or different colors oflight such as, for example, red, green, and blue. Additionally oralternatively, the LEDs 3821 may output light having the same correlatedcolor temperature (CCT). Additionally or alternatively, the lightoutputs of at least two LEDs 3821 in the LED bank 3820 may havedifferent CCTs.

Light emitted from the LEDs 3821 may be emitted into a light guide, suchas the light guide shown in the previous figures. The light guide mayguide the light emitted by the LEDs 3821 based on the shape andcharacteristics of the light guide and the apparatus in general, whichfeatures may include, but are not limited to, texture, curves,dimensions, pans, plates, and the like. For example, FIGS. 7A-10A showlight guides with outer edges that are shaped to distribute light in agiven pattern, based on the edge. FIGS. 10B and 10C show examples ofsuch distributions. The LEDs 3821 may be deposited in an inner cavity ofa light guide or may be deposited along an outer edge of a light guidesuch that they emit light into the light guide. An example suchconfiguration is shown in FIG. 14A.

One or more of the LEDs 3821 may be a micro LED such that the one ormore LEDs 3821 may have a width W in the range of 10-500 microns.Furthermore, the one or more LEDs 3821 may have a length L in the rangeof 10-500 microns and a height H in the range of 5-30 microns. The widthW of any of the one or more LEDs 3821 may be the same or different fromthe length L of the same LED.

According to an implementation, at least one contact of the contacts3804 and 3805 may be connected to the LED bank 3820 via an integratedbus line 3810. The integrated bus line 3810 may connect the contact 3804and/or 3805 to the LED bank 3820 and LEDs 3821 such that an electricalsignal may travel from the contact 3804 and/or 3805 to the LED bank 3820via the integrated bus line 3810.

The integrated bus line 3810 may be provided such that the use ofseparate wires may be avoided, to provide an electrical signal from thecontact 3804 and/or 3805 to the LED bank 3820. Accordingly, theintegrated bus line 3810 may allow for a low profile solution whichreplaces wires that may use additional space and suffer damage. Theintegrated bus line 3810 may also mitigate a concern related to damagingwires during a manufacturing process (e.g., by catching the wire againsta sharp edge or object).

The integrated bus line 3810 may traverse the length of substantiallythe entire leg 3802. The integrated bus line 3810 may be, for example,at least 10 mm long according to an implementation and may be, forexample, at least 5 mm long according to another implementation. Theintegrated bus line 3810 may be narrower than the width of the leg 3802and may have a width of less than 5 mm according to an implementationand less than 3 mm according to another implementation.

The integrated bus line 3810 may connect to multiple contacts such ascontact 3804 and to contact 3805 and may receive multiple signals fromthe multiple contacts. According to an implementation, the integratedbus line may receive a control signal from contact 3804 and may providea ground connection via contact 3805. The integrated bus line 3810 maycarry the multiple electronic signals such that it is split in two ormore parts throughout the length of the integrated bus line. As anexample, integrated bus line 3810 is shown to be spilt by a dividingline 3811 which may isolate the signal from contact 3804 from the signalfrom contact 3805. The isolation may be based on the dividing line 3811including an insulator or dielectric material which isolates the signalfrom contact 3804 from the signal from contact 3805. Alternatively,according to an implementation, the dividing line 3811 may be a physicalgap between one side of the integrated bus line 3810 and a differentside of the integrated bus line 3810. It will be understood thatalthough two contacts 3804 and 3805 are shown in FIG. 38 , there may bethree or more contacts and multiple dividing lines provided in anintegrated bus line.

The integrated bus line 3810 may be insulated by a dielectric material,such as polyimide, at one or more edges, ends, or surfaces such that thesignals carried by the integrated bus line 3810 are insulated fromexiting the integrated bus line 3810. As an example, the integrated busline 3810 may include dielectric material 3830 which may insulate theground connection via contact 3805 from being interrupted by a portionof the leg 3802 that is external to the integrated bus line 3810.

According to implementations disclosed herein, an integrated bus linemay include a conductive material configured to transfer an electricalsignal from a contact to an LED bank. As non-limiting examples, theintegrated bus line may include a copper trace, an aluminum trace, and acombination aluminum/copper trace such as, for example, an aluminumcoated copper trace.

A controller, such as controller 330 of FIGS. 15-18 or gate controller1806 of FIG. 18 may be provide a signal to contacts such as contacts3804 and/or 3805 of FIG. 38 or contacts 3858, 3859, 3860, and/or 3861 ofFIG. 39 . The controller may be connected to a contact via a controlboard which includes one or more traces or wires that are in contactwith a controller. The controller may provide an electrical signal basedon a signal from a component, such as a driver, a converter, or maygenerate the signal based on a different input signal provided to thecontroller.

According to an implementation, a flexible printed circuit board, suchas flexible printed circuit board 3851 of FIG. 39 , may include multiplelegs, such as leg 3852 and leg 3853. Each leg and may include anintegrated bus line which connects contacts to LED banks for eachrespective leg. For example, as shown in FIG. 39 , leg 3852 may includean integrated bus line 3856 which connects contacts 3858 and 3853 to LEDbank 3854. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 39 , leg 3853 may include anintegrated bus line 3857 which connects contacts 3860 and 3861 to LEDbank 3855.

According to an implementation, as shown in FIG. 39 and as furtherdisclosed herein, an integrated bus line may connect two LED banks suchas the integrated bus line 3870 of FIG. 39 which connects LED bank 3854and 3855.

According to an implementation of the disclosed subject matter, two ormore LED banks may be connected via an integrated bus line. As shown inFIG. 40A, a flexible printed circuit board 4001 may include anintegrated bus line 4020 that connects a first LED bank 4002 and asecond LED bank 4001. The LED strip 4001 may include a body 4013 whichincludes the LED banks 4003 and 4003. Each of the LED banks may includeone or more LEDs, such as one or more LEDs 4004 of LED bank 4002 and oneor more LEDs 4005 of LED bank 4003. The LED strip 4001 also may includemultiple legs, each leg corresponding to an LED bank such as leg 4006corresponding to LED bank 4002 and leg 4007 corresponding to LED bank4003. As disclosed herein, each leg may be flexible such that the leg isable to bend, fold, curve, or otherwise shape itself.

According to an implementation, the LED strip 4001 may have an adhesivebacking for affixing the LED strip 3801 to an object or structure suchas base 392 of FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A.

Each leg may include one or more contacts such as contact 4008 of leg3916 and contact 4009 of leg 4007. Each contact on a leg may beconnected to the respective LED bank for that leg via any applicablemanner such as via a flexible circuit, as disclosed herein and shown inFIGS. 38 and 39 , or via wires. According to an implementation, only oneof the legs may include a contact that is connected to the leg'scorresponding LED bank, as further disclosed herein.

Electrical contacts 4008 and/or 4009 may provide a signal obtained froma controller, as disclosed herein, to one or more of the LED banks. Forexample, the contacts 4008 and/or 4009 may be used to provide a signalto the LEDs banks 4002 and/or 4001. It will be understood that a signalprovided to an LED bank may correspond to providing the signal to theLEDs in the LED bank (e.g., providing a signal to LED bank 4002 maycorrespond to providing a signal to the LEDs 4004. The signal may be,for example, one of: (1) turning off/on the LEDs in an LED bank, (2)changing the brightness of the LEDs in an LED bank (3) changing thecolor of light output by the LEDs in an LED bank, and/or (4) controllinganother characteristic of the operation of the LEDs in an LED bank. Thecontacts 4008 and 4009 may include any conductive material such as, butnot limited to, silver, copper, gold, platinum, and/or palladium.

The LEDs 4004 and/or 4005 in LED banks 4002 and/or 4003 may be connectedto one another in series, in parallel, and/or in any other suitable wayand may be configured to output the same color of light or differentcolors of light such as, for example, red, green, and blue. Additionallyor alternatively, the LEDs 4004 and/or 4005 may output light having thesame correlated color temperature (CCT). Additionally or alternatively,the light outputs of at least two LEDs in a given LED may have differentCCTs.

Light emitted from the LEDs 4004 and/or 4005 may be emitted into a lightguide, such as the light guide shown in FIGS. 3-4B, 7A-10A, and 11-14 .The light guide may guide the light emitted by the LEDs 4004 and/or 4005based on the shape and characteristics of the light guide and theapparatus in general, which features may include, but are not limitedto, texture, curves, dimensions, pans, plates, and the like. Forexample, FIGS. 7A-10A show light guides with outer edges that are shapedto distribute light in a given pattern, based on the edge. FIGS. 10B and10C show examples of such distributions. The LEDs 4004 and/or 4005 maybe deposited in an inner cavity of a light guide or may be depositedalong an outer edge of a light guide such that they emit light into thelight guide. An example such configuration is shown in FIG. 14 .

One or more of the LEDs 4004 and/or 4005 may be a micro LED such thatthe one or more LEDs 4004 and/or 4005 may have a width W in the range of10-500 microns. Furthermore, the one or more LEDs 4004 and/or 4005 mayhave a length L in the range of 10-500 microns and a height H in therange of 5-30 microns. The width W of any of the one or more LEDs 4004and/or 4005 may be the same or different from the length L of the sameLED.

According to an implementation, LED bank 4002 and 4003 may be connectedto each other via an integrated bus line 4020. The integrated bus line4020 may connect the LED banks 4002 and 4003 such that an electricalsignal may travel from the LED bank 4002 to the LED bank 4003 via theintegrated bus line 4020.

The integrated bus line 4020 may be provided such that wires are notneeded to provide an electrical signal from the LED bank 4002 to the LEDbank 4003. Accordingly, the integrated bus line 4020 may allow for a lowprofile solution which replaces the need for wires that may requireadditional space. The integrated bus line 4020 may also mitigate aconcern related to damaging wires during a manufacturing process (e.g.,by catching the wire against a sharp edge or object).

The integrated bus line 4020 may traverse the length between two or moreconsecutive LED banks or may connect two or more non-consecutive LEDbanks. The integrated bus line 4020 may be, for example, at least 10 mmlong according to an implementation and may be, for example, at least 5mm long according to another implementation. The integrated bus line4020 may be narrower than the width of the body 4013 and may have awidth of less than 5 mm according to an implementation and less than 3mm according to another implementation.

The integrated bus line 4020 may carry the multiple electronic signalssuch that it is split in two or more parts throughout the length of theintegrated bus line 4020. As an example, integrated bus line 4020 may bespilt by a dividing line 4022 which may isolate the multiple signals.The isolation may be based on the dividing line 4022 including aninsulator or dielectric material which isolates the signal.Alternatively, according to an implementation, the dividing line 4022may be a physical gap between one side of the integrated bus line 4020and a different side of the integrated bus line 4020.

The integrated bus line 3810 may be insulated by a dielectric materialat one or more edges, ends, or surfaces such that the signals carried bythe integrated bus line 3810 are insulated from exiting the integratedbus line 3810. As an example, the integrated bus line 3810 may includedielectric material 3830 which may insulate the ground connection viacontact 3805 from being interrupted by a portion of the leg 3802 that isexternal to the integrated bus line 3810.

According to implementations disclosed herein, an integrated bus linemay include a conductive material configured to transfer an electricalsignal from a contact to an LED bank. As non-limiting examples, theintegrated bus line may include a copper trace, an aluminum trace, and acombination aluminum/copper trace such as, for example, an aluminumcoated copper trace.

A controller, such as controller 330 of FIGS. 15-18 or gate controller1806 of FIG. 18 may be provide a signal to contacts such as contacts4008 and/or 4009. The signal may be provided to an LED bank such as LEDbank 4002 which may receive the controller provided signal via contact4008. The LED bank 4002 may transfer that signal or a modified versionof that signal to LED bank 4003 via integrated bus line 4020. By sharinga signal or a modified version of a signal between a first LED bank anda second LED bank, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented suchthat a strip has a single or a reduced number of legs as a single or areduced number of signals are required as a single LED bank can receivea signal and provide the signal or a modified version of the signal toadditional LED banks.

As an example, FIG. 40B comprises a flexible printed circuit board 4050which includes a first LED bank 4051, and a leg 4054 which includescontact 4053 connected to the first LED bank 4051 via a wire 4052. Thefirst LED bank is connected to a second LED bank 4056 via an integratedbus line 4055. The first LED bank 4050 and/or and second LED bank 4056are connected to a third LED bank 4058 via an integrated bus line 4057.According to this example, a controller may provide a signal to contact4053, and that signal may be provided to LED bank 4051. LED bank 4051may then provide the same signal to LED bank 4056 via integrated busline 4055. LED bank 4056 may provide the same signal to LED bank 4058via integrated bus line 4057. Such a configuration may allow multipleLED banks to receive a signal from a single contact without the use ofpotentially cumbersome wires connecting each of the LED banks. Such aconfiguration may also reduce wear inherent to such wires during use anddamage to such wires during manufacturing.

Furthermore, using integrated bus lines as disclosed in implementationsherein may reduce additional manufacturing steps of soldering wiresbetween multiple components and thereby reducing the overall cost andtime of manufacturing.

Although the above light fixtures show the reflector as having acylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section, likethe other elements being formed in a shape circular or multi-sided(e.g., octangular) shape, the various aspects are not so limited. Forexample, the reflector may extend over the outer edge of the light guideand have a frustoconical shape. The frustoconical shape has atrapezoidal cross-section, similar to the shape of the light guide inFIG. 10A. The underlying light guide may retain the same frustoconicalshape.

As mentioned above, other elements may be incorporated into the abovelight fixtures. For example, a diffuser may be used disposed under thelight guide, to diffuse light directed out from the light guide to anexternal environment. The diffuser may be formed from a any materialthat diffuses or scatters light. In some embodiments, the diffuser maybe formed from translucent material, such as ground or greyed glass, ormay use a diffraction element to scatter the light. The diffuser may beattached to the pan/heat dissipation element using glue or some otheradhesive, for example. The diffuser may have an opening that is colinearwith the opening of the base. The diffuser may provide uniform lightdiffusion.

Similarly, throughout the examples above, the light guide is shown ashaving a circular shape (from a top view). However, in otherembodiments, the light guide may have other shapes. Another shape may bean ovular shape. Whichever shape is used, in some embodiments, thelighting may be offset from the center of the light guide. The amount ofoffset may be dependent on the lighting effect desired, and thereflector and diffuser and other elements may be used to change theeffects of the offset. If the light guide shape is non-circular, forexample, ovular, the offset may be in the direction of the major axis,minor axis or neither axis. Similarly, if multiple illumination sources200 are present, one or both of the illumination sources 200 may beoffset from the center. The illumination sources 200 may besymmetrically offset or not symmetrically offset. As a result of theoffset, the control (duty cycle/current) of the individual LED segmentsof the illumination sources 200 may be adjusted to produce lightingeffects different from those of center lit light guides.

Note that although a majority of the examples describe center-edge-litlight guide panel, in some embodiments outer-edge-lit light guide panel(OEL) modules, or combinations of the two (OCEL) may be used, with eachset of LEDs independently controllable. This may enable control of lightdistribution in the vertical planes in addition to control in thehorizontal planes.

According to an implementation of the disclosed subject matter, in whichthe light engine is installed in a vehicle, a light guide may includeone or more external surfaces. An external surface may be a light guidesurface that is visible from one or vehicle areas. Light illuminated onone or more external surfaces may exhibit a soft light distributionpattern on the one or more external surfaces. The soft lightdistribution pattern may be exhibited based on a surface feature such assurface texture, surface pattern, surface features, and/or the like, ofthe one or more external surfaces. A surface feature may be part of theexternal light guide surface or may be provided via a surface plate orother light guide component.

As disclosed herein, one or more addressable LED segments may emit lightonto an inner surface of a light guide. For example, a first addressableLED segment may emit light onto an inner first portion of a light guideand a second addressable LED segment may emit light onto an inner secondportion of the light guide. Light emitted onto the inner portion of alight guide may be emitted onto an external surface of the light guideand may further be emitted onto one or more vehicle areas. For example,light emitted onto an inner first portion of a light guide may beemitted onto a first external portion of the light guide and onto afirst vehicle area. Similarly, light emitted onto an inner secondportion of a light guide may be emitted onto a second external portionof the light guide and onto a first vehicle area. The light emitted ontoan external surface of the light guide may be visible, on the externalsurface, from one or more vehicle area (e.g., a front vehicle area, aback vehicle area, etc.). The light illuminated on an external surfaceof the light guide may exhibit a smooth distribution such that it tapersfrom a high illuminance to a low or no illuminance with a gradient.Although tapering an illuminance is disclosed, it will be understoodthat one or more of brightness, intensity, contrast, color, or the likemay taper from a first point to a second point on the external surfaceof a light guide.

According to an implementation, light illuminated on an external surfacemay taper from a maximum illuminance to a minimum illuminance over adistance of at least 1 cm. According to another implementation, lightilluminated on an external surface may taper from a maximum illuminanceto a minimum illuminance over a distance of at least 3 cm. An externalsurface of the light guide may be illuminated by light emitted bymultiple independently addressable LED segments (e.g., 2-8 differentindependently addressable LED segments). Accordingly, multiple softlight distribution patterns may be illuminated onto an external surfaceof the light guide. One or more of the soft light distribution patternsmay overlap such that a first soft light distribution pattern from lightemitted by a first independently addressable LED segment tappers from amaximum illuminance to a minimum illuminance over a first distance(e.g., 1 cm) and a second soft light distribution pattern from lightemitted by a second independently addressable LED segment tappers from amaximum illuminance to a minimum illuminance over a second distance(e.g., 1 cm or 3 cm).

The present disclosure is provided as an example only. At least some ofthe elements discussed with respect to these figures can be arranged indifferent order, combined, and/or altogether omitted. It will beunderstood that the provision of the examples described herein, as wellas clauses phrased as “such as,” “e.g.”, “including”, “in some aspects,”“in some implementations,” and the like should not be interpreted aslimiting the disclosed subject matter to the specific examples. Althoughthe examples presented throughout the disclosure are presented in thecontext of light emitting diodes, it will be understood that any othersuitable type of light source can be used instead.

Although some of the concepts disclosed herein are presented in thecontext of adaptive automotive lighting, it will be understood that thedisclosed segmented LED chip implementations, adaptive lighting systemimplementations, and processes for operating adaptive lighting systemscan be employed in any context. For example, they can be used in indoorlighting systems, street lighting systems, stage lighting systems,decorative lighting systems, and greenhouse lighting systems. Thus, thedisclosure is not limited to the examples presented herein.

The figures provided herein are provided as an example only. At leastsome of the elements discussed with respect to these figures can bearranged in different order, combined, and/or altogether omitted. Itwill be understood that the provision of the examples described herein,as well as clauses phrased as “such as,” “e.g.”, “including”, “in someaspects,” “in some implementations,” and the like should not beinterpreted as limiting the disclosed subject matter to the specificexamples. Thus, although an embodiment has been described with referenceto specific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly,the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form apart hereof show, by way of illustration, and not of limitation,specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. Theembodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enablethose skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein.Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such thatstructural and logical substitutions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofvarious embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along withthe full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art willappreciate that, given the present disclosure, modifications may be madeto the invention without departing from the spirit of the inventiveconcepts described herein. Therefore, it is not intended that the scopeof the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated anddescribed.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

1. A vehicle interior lighting system comprising: a light engineconfigured to provide light within an interior of a vehicle, the lightengine comprising: a support structure having an outer surface;independently addressable light emitting diode (LED) segments disposedon the outer surface of the support structure to illuminate differentareas of the interior of the vehicle, each of the independentlyaddressable LED segments comprising at least one LED; a processorconfigured to receive information from at least one system within thevehicle and generate a control signal based on the information, theinformation comprising at least one vehicle characteristic selected froma set of vehicle characteristics including occupancy information withinthe vehicle, vehicular control information, and environmentalinformation external to the vehicle; and a controller configured toprovide, based on the control signal, at least one light control signalto modify at least one emission characteristic of the at least one LEDof at least one of the independently addressable LED segments.
 2. Thevehicle interior lighting system of claim 1, wherein: the independentlyaddressable LED segments are configured to illuminate different interiorareas of the vehicle, and the controller is configured to control theindependently addressable LED segments configured to independentlycontrol illumination of the different interior areas of the vehicle. 3.The vehicle interior lighting system of claim 2, wherein theindependently addressable LED segments are disposed symmetrically aroundthe outer surface of the support structure to have constant angulardifference between adjacent LED segments.
 4. The vehicle interiorlighting system of claim 2, wherein the independently addressable LEDsegments associated with a particular interior area of the vehicle arecontrolled based on information associated with the particular interiorarea to dynamically update illumination of the interior of the vehicle.5. The vehicle interior lighting system of claim 2, wherein thecontroller comprises a light intensity controller configured to controlan intensity of light from the independently addressable LED segmentswithin each interior area, a light directional controller configured tocontrol a direction of the light from the independently addressable LEDsegments within each interior area, and a light color controllerconfigured to control a color of the light from the independentlyaddressable LED segments within each interior area.
 6. The vehicleinterior lighting system of claim 2, wherein the controller steers lightwithin an interior of the vehicle to a specific vehicle area via controlof the independently addressable LED segments to independently activateor deactivate the independently addressable LED segments.
 7. The vehicleinterior lighting system of claim 1, wherein the information is selectedfrom a group of data that includes image data, video data,location-tracked image data, facial recognition data, face detectiondata, shape recognition data, machine learning data, computer visiondata, weather data, environmental data, user profile data, and objectlocation data, and the group of data is based on detection selected fromoccupancy detection, object detection, passenger detection, weightdetection, pressure detection, driver identification via an driver seatimage, passenger identification via a passenger seat image, anidentifier, a mobile device, a user input, historical data, gazedetection, occupant positioning, and vehicle component.
 8. The vehicleinterior lighting system of claim 1, wherein the controller is able togenerate different types of signals to control different characteristicsof the independently addressable LED segments.
 9. The vehicle interiorlighting system of claim 8, wherein a first type of signal is a pulsewidth modulation (PWM) signal with a first width to control brightnessof one of the independently addressable LED segments and a second typeof signal is a PWM signal with a second width to control intensity ofthe one of the independently addressable LED segments.
 10. The vehicleinterior lighting system of claim 1, further comprising: a vehiclesensor system configured to provide the information; and a housingconfigured to house the light engine and the vehicle sensor system. 11.The vehicle interior lighting system of claim 10, wherein the housing isfurther configured to house a light guide having an opening in which thelight engine and the vehicle sensor system are disposed.
 12. The vehicleinterior lighting system of claim 1, further comprising: a housingconfigured to house the light engine; and a vehicle sensor systemconfigured to provide the information, the vehicle sensor systemexternal to the housing.
 13. The vehicle interior lighting system ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is configured to provide a spot ofreduced horizontal illumination surrounding or on a moving object withinthe vehicle to follow the moving object.
 14. The vehicle interiorlighting system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to usethe reduced horizontal illumination to track the moving object while avertical plane remains the same such that the same vertical plane of thevehicle remains illuminated as the object moves.
 15. The vehicleinterior lighting system of claim 1, further comprising sensorsconfigured to generate sensor signals to produce the information inresponse to multiple sensors being simultaneously triggered, the sensorsselected from a group of sensors that include an infra-red (IR) sensor,passive infra-red sensor (PIR), a camera, a motion detection sensor, amicrowave sensor a weight sensor, a pressure sensor, an ultra soundsensor, a proximity sensor, a capacitive sensor, a photoelectric sensor,an inductive sensor, and a magnetic sensor.
 16. The vehicle interiorlighting system of claim 1, wherein the independently addressable LEDsegments are arranged in a circular pattern on a ceiling of the vehicle.17. The vehicle interior lighting system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one system comprises a gaze sensor located on a dashboard of thevehicle such that the gaze sensor is in line of sight with a driver ofthe vehicle, the gaze sensor configured to detect a gaze of a user andprovide facial recognition data to the processor, the processorconfigured to generate the control signal based on a user profiledetermined based on the facial recognition data.
 18. A vehicle interiorlighting system comprising: a vehicle sensor system configured togenerate information based on at least one of occupancy detection,object detection, passenger detection, weight detection, pressuredetection, driver identification via a driver seat image, passengeridentification via a passenger seat image, an identifier, a mobiledevice, a user input, historical data, gaze detection, occupantpositioning, a vehicle component, and a vehicle component mode;independently addressable light emitting diode (LED) segments disposedto illuminate different areas of an interior of a vehicle, each of theindependently addressable LED segments comprising at least one LED; aprocessor configured to receive the information from the vehicle sensorsystem and generate a control signal based on the information; and acontroller configured to provide, based on the control signal, at leastone light control signal to modify at least one emission characteristicof the at least one LED of at least one of the independently addressableLED segments.
 19. The vehicle interior lighting system of claim 18,further comprising a housing configured to house the independentlyaddressable LED segments and the vehicle sensor system.
 20. The vehicleinterior lighting system of claim 18, wherein a first subset of theindependently addressable LED segments is located in a first a vehiclearea and a second subset of the independently addressable LED segmentsis located in a second vehicle area.
 21. A method of adjusting light ina vehicle, the method comprising: providing independently addressablelight emitting diode (LED) segments on an outer surface of a supportstructure to illuminate different areas of an interior of a vehicle,each of the independently addressable LED segments comprising at leastone LED; receiving information from a vehicle sensor system within thevehicle and generating a control signal based on the information, theinformation comprising at least one vehicle characteristic selected froma set of vehicle characteristics including occupancy information withinthe vehicle, vehicular control information, and environmentalinformation external to the vehicle; and providing, based on the controlsignal, at least one light control signal to modify at least oneemission characteristic of the at least one LED of at least one of theindependently addressable LED segments.